Coupeville Sports

River Simpson piled up the wins as a middle school track and field athlete. (Photos courtesy Rainy Simpson)

River Simpson has big dreams.

Having already racked up an impressive run as a middle school athlete, he heads into his freshman year at Coupeville High School in the fall with his eyes already set on the prize.

Or several prizes.

“I would like our CHS basketball team to go to state,” Simpson said. “I want to be top 10 in all-time scoring in basketball; I also want to break a sub-23 (seconds) in the 200-meter dash.”

After playing basketball and competing in track and cross country during his CMS days, Simpson plans to kick off his high school career by trying something different, switching to soccer this fall.

When winter rolls around, he’ll hit the hardwood, intent on continuing the strong play he showcased as an 8th grader.

After being among the team leaders in scoring for the top CMS squad, Simpson got a chance to play two games at the high school level and made an immediate impact for the Wolf JV.

He rattled the rims for 13 points in a win over Concrete in his first JV action, then banged home a game-high 19 in the season finale against Friday Harbor.

And while he enjoys all of his sports, hoops have a special lure.

“Basketball, it’s my favorite because it’s an indoor sport so you can play year-round,” Simpson said. “It’s the sport I’m most passionate about.”

Simpson and Co. singed the net both as school and select team hoops stars.

Not that basketball is the only sport he’s a high achiever in, as he piled up 19 wins across seven events during his CMS track and field days.

Simpson collected victories in every event he tried, from the 100, 200, 400, and 800, to the 4 x 100 and 4 x 200 relays, as well as the high jump.

He saved one of his best performances for last, teaming up with Malachi Chapa, Lincoln Wagner, and Sawyer Rudat to smash the CMS record in the 4 x 2 at the Cascade League Championships in their final middle school meet.

In school Simpson favors history and PE classes, while the tunes of Steve Lacy and Michael Jackson are his musical go-to, and remaining busy is the name of the game.

“Staying active throughout the year (is big), hanging out with friends on some of the long bus rides,” he said. “And having goals to work towards.”

That includes putting in time shooting hoops and taking part in strength training, as well as spending time with his grandparents, helping neighbors with yard work, and ramping up his reading.

“I like being active and keeping busy,” Simpson said.

As he prepares for his launch into high school, where he will follow in the footsteps of big sis Laken, a Wolf cheerleader and track athlete, River is looking at the complete picture on what’s working, and where he can grow.

“I think my strengths are the ability to work through obstacles,” he said. “And I think I could work on supporting my teammates more.

“My dad, he pushed me since I was little to work hard if I want to compete in any sport,” Simpson added.

“My mom always supported me coming to all my home games and cheering me on. And Coach Alex (Evans), he helped me gain confidence in basketball and believed in me.”

Dropping bombs from behind the arc.