Coupeville Sports

The Wolf bench has a variety of reactions to action on the court Wednesday night. (Shelli Trumbull photos)

Ben Etzell (far right) and Nick Streubel prepare to squish an ATM player trapped between them.

The long and winding road started Wednesday night for the Coupeville High School boys’ basketball team.

After playing five of six at home before Christmas break, the Wolves will now learn the joys of spending January nights on a bus in a different town each night.

With the exception of this Friday, Jan. 4, when it hosts Granite Falls, Coupeville will play seven of eight on the road, including a three-week, six-game stretch when the only time they will see their home gym is during practices.

They kicked off their never-ending road adventure at the swanky home of Archbishop Thomas Murphy Wednesday, and despite a strong second half, fell 87-44 to the host Wildcats. The loss, despite twin 10-point performances from Aaron Trumbull and Ben Etzell, dropped the Wolves to 0-10 overall, 0-5 in Cascade Conference play.

It was also an unfortunate milestone, as Coupeville recorded its 30th consecutive defeat.

Trailing by just eight after one quarter, the Wolves were unable to stem the tide on defense once the second eight minute period began. ATM threw up 29 points in the second quarter alone and were on cruise control as the teams headed to the locker room.

Breaking recent tradition, however, Coupeville actually picked up the scoring pace in the second half, dumping in 26 of their points after the break.

Big men Nick Streubel and Caleb Valko each pumped in eight in support of Trumbull and Etzell, while Aaron Curtin and Morgan Payne netted three apiece. Senior Drew Chan rounded out the scoring attack with a bucket.

Coupeville and Granite Falls tip-off at 5:15 PM (JV) and 7 (varsity) Friday, then the Wolves don’t play at home again until a rematch with ATM on Friday, Jan. 25.