David King, seen here last season, is making the jump from assistant to head coach. (Shelli Trumbull photos)
Breeanna Messner is one of several key returning players for the Wolves. No word on whether the pink shoes will make a return, as well.
There’s a new sheriff in town.
He might not be Bobby Knight, but Coupeville High School girls’ basketball coach David King is not here to coddle you. Which shouldn’t be a problem, since his promotion from assistant coach, and the return of wife Amy King back to running the JV squad, was met with overwhelming approval from local players and parents.
Well-known in local circles for their work with players, the duo have coached multiple sports (basketball, softball, volleyball) and have a strong relationship already set in place with many of their potential players.
“(The transition) should be very smooth since we have been around them over the years,” David King said. “Some we have coached already for three years of basketball and two years in softball. Most of them also had Amy as a middle school volleyball coach.
“The girls that I have coached know I am old school and an intense coach. I tell it like it is, the good along with the areas to improve,” he added. “They understand that we are there for them and want them to succeed as athletes and in life.”
Instead of just adding in a new offensive scheme or two, the Kings, with the assistance of three volunteer coaches who all boast state playoff experience — former Wolf stars Ashley Ellsworth-Bagby and Brittany Black and Woodland High School ace Ashley Kellison — are trying to change the very nature of Wolf hoops and return it to its glory days.
“We are striving to change the culture in the program. Get us back to playing competitive basketball and making some noise at districts and getting back to state,” King said. “To change the culture it starts with attitude, dedication and willingness to make adjustments/changes to be a better player and teammate.
“This happens with us going back to the basics and fundamentals. Defense wins games. We will look to pressure full court, play man to man and mix in some zone,” he added. “For us to accomplish this the girls are expected to push each other daily at practice and work as a team.”
While the Wolves lost a strong core of players to graduation (Katie Smith, Cassidi Rosenkrance, Taya Boonstra, Grace LaPoint and Shelby Kulz), the cupboard is far from bare. There is talent on display, but no one is guaranteed a varsity jersey on reputation alone.
“We have met and talked that the girls need to come to practice every day and compete for a roster spot,” King said. “They know that a varsity spot is not guaranteed. They need to earn it.”
Six returning players — seniors Bessie Walstad, Lauren Escalle, Haley Marx and Jai’Lysa Hoskins and juniors Amanda Fabrizi and Breeanna Messner — are expected to anchor the team.
“Bessie and Jai’Lysa will play in the post. Bessie will move more out to the wing this year. Haley is an undersized post player, but will play wing and help with handling the ball some. Lauren, Bree and Amanda will be the main ball handlers,” King said. “All of these players can and will play multiple positions.”
Leading the fight for the remaining positions should be a pair of sophomore bangers — Monica Vidoni and Hailey Hammer — as well as sophomore guards Kacie Kiel, Madeline Strasburg and McKayla Bailey. Freshman Makana Stone, who would bring additional height, is also in the early mix.
“Hailey played varsity as a freshman. Tough year for her and not getting consistent playing time as a freshman didn’t help her growth as a player. She understands that she has to come out, improve and work hard to keep that varsity spot,” King said. “Monica could bring height and low post scoring, but she needs to dedicate 100% to defense, improve her shooting form and communication. These areas need to improve to see playing time at the varsity level.”
However the roster spots work out, King will have a team with genuine talent. Now the key will be to get those players to fully buy into the mentality that they can, and should, be competitive with every team they face.
“We know these girls, there is talent there. They need to realize this and look to improve each day,” King said. “Practices will be their opportunity to improve and hone their skills and mesh as a team. We are lucky that we do have players that are willing to listen and put in the effort to get better.
“The dynamic of the team has changed with last years graduation,” he added. “Girls will need to step up, know they belong and play with confidence.”
ATM and King’s will be the early favorites in the Cascade Conference, while King also gives nods to Cedarcrest (“always tough”) and South Whidbey (“our games are always competitive and I expect nothing less”) as teams to watch.
And, while Coupeville will once again be the smallest school in the 1A/2A Cascade Conference, that will never be an excuse.
“We will compete and play hard from the start until the final buzzer,” King said. “The Cascade Conference is just the conference we play in. Our feeling is, we play the teams on our schedule, no matter how big or small they are or we are.
“When we get on the court we have to play our game and execute just like our opponent,” he added. “Then we get back in the gym and look to improve each and every day.”
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