There was a lot to like about Coupeville’s 53-41 win over visiting Klahowya in high school boys basketball Tuesday, Dec. 13.

It was the Wolves’ first win in six tries this season, and it was twice as nice because it came in conference play. The victory also allowed Coupeville to pick up a bit of revenge, having lost to the Eagles just four days before.

Coupeville also overcame a dismal first quarter when it scored only 3 points before catching fire and tallying a season-high 53.

The game started much like last Friday’s loss in Klahowya when the Wolves trailed 16-2 after the first quarter.

This time Coupeville didn’t score until midway through the period when Hunter Smith drained a three-ball. That was it for the Wolves; however, Klahowya was only marginally better, scoring just 7 points.

Things turned the Wolves’ way in the latter part of the second quarter. Coupeville had only 9 points through the game’s first 13 minutes, then scored 16 in the next three.

Smith scored 8 points, including hitting two three-balls, during the rally and 17 of Coupeville’s 22 points in the quarter.

The Wolves led 25-17 at the break.

Hunter Downes, Brian Shank and Smith helped Coupeville score the first 7 points of the second half and complete a 16-0 run. Six different Wolves scored in the third quarter, and Coupeville took a 42-27 advantage into the fourth.

Coupeville sank 5-of-6 free throws in the final frame to hold off the Eagles, who never got closer than 10.

Smith ended the game with 25 points, Shank 10, Downes 8, Cameron Toomey-Stout 5, Gabe Wynn 2, Ariah Bepler 2 and Joey Lippo 1.

“This was a great team win; a win we needed,” coach Anthony Smith said. “It was a great effort. The defense really stepped up.”

He noted the Wolves have been “right there” in three of the past four games but “couldn’t close it.”

This time they sealed the deal with “player movement and ball movement,” according to Smith.

Smith lauded the play of reserves Toomey-Stout and Downes.

“Cameron was a difference maker,” Smith said. “He shut down No. 3.” No. 3, Sawyer Snope, finished with 9 points, 10 less than the previous meeting.

“Hunter Downes knows his role,” Smith said. “He is a fierce competitor; he’s got a motor on him.”

Coupeville (1-5) heads to Bellevue Christian (2-3) for a 8 p.m. non-league game Friday, Dec. 16, then hosts Vashon Island (1-1) at 6 p.m. Saturday.

Coupeville’s Hunter Smith passes to Hunter Downes at the block in the win over Klahowya. (Photo by Jim Waller)