Coupeville Sports

   Jared Helmstadter was Mr. Hustle in 2013-2014. He’s not slowing down in 2014-2015. (John Fisken photo)

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

If you like basketball, that is. Cause if you’re more of a wrestler, swimmer or gymnast, Coupeville High School is not the school for you.

The Wolves spring from the smallest 1A school in the state and when it comes to winter sports, it’s hoops or start planning for spring.

Thankfully, a lot of CHS students do like basketball. Of course, we’ll see how many when the first day of practice kicks off Monday.

As we sit at this moment — we’ll call it Basketball Eve — let’s take a moment to check in with some of the players planning to lace up their high tops and start running lines.

Everything is fresh and new again and hopes and dreams run wild, tempered with the knowledge that every season is started off with at least a bit of conditioning.

Matt Shank (Senior):

My goals for this season would be to become the greatest asset to my team that I can be, through tough defense, rebounds, and hopefully consistent scoring!

I’m excited for the new conference but also the new team; I’m interested what the starting lineup will look like and I’m also really excited to play.

Conditioning will play a big role in getting me ready for the season, no one loves it but everyone needs it!

Gabe Wynn (Sophomore):

I have a great feeling about this season; we have all the components of an amazing basketball team, now all we need to do is come together and execute.

My hopes are to have a winning season for our team and be league champs!

I’m excited to play and share the court with my teammates, however I am also not looking forward to being put into “basketball” shape.

But no matter what, I want to be working as hard as I can!

I’m feeling optimistic about basketball this year!

Dante Mitchell (Junior):

Hmmm. Well, my hope for this season is to have a better record then last year — that’s number one!

But other than that, have fun playing with the seniors while this is our last time to make memories and build a better friendship.

I hope this year that I have a better year this year then I did last year.

As for practice on Monday, I know it’s going to be a hell of a lot of running, but it’s actually not all that bad.

Once you get past that, it’s pretty much smooth sailing sometimes.

But for me,  I just want to go in there give it my all at the sport I love and do my best to impress my family, friends, coaches and my mom especially.

Aaron Trumbull (Senior):

I can say that we are changing a few things this year which will make us a different ball team than our past three years.

We are in a new conference and we, as a team, have set high goals for the season.

We are going to continue to work hard, compete and surprise a few teams this year.

I’m looking forward to a great senior season.

Jared Helmstadter (Junior):

Boys basketball conference CHAMPIONS!!

DeAndre Mitchell (Junior):

My hope for this season is that first I get cleared to play from my current hand injury and that I will be able to play healthy and we go out and have a great season.

My dream is to hopefully be able to step onto the court this season and play the game I love most.

I want to have a successful season and come back and drop more of my three-point arsenal and my hustle plays.

My feelings for basketball are high; I live for the game, it’s very important to me.

Having to sit out due to my hand injury while I watch my boys play at lunch is not easy for me.

I want to get up and go ball with them, but knowing that I can’t hurts.

If I’m not able to play this season I just want to let my boys know that I’ll be there at every game and support them.

Most likely my heart is leaning towards manager for the team this year so I can come back healthy next year.

But hey, it’s going to be a surprise if I’m out there, so stay tuned.