Coupeville Sports

   Wolf frosh Daniel Olson banked home three points Saturday in a narrow JV loss. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)

“This game will lay the foundation for our continued improvement over the remainder of the season.”

The Coupeville High School JV boys basketball squad came up a play or two shy of a win Saturday, but Wolf coach Chris Smith walked away largely satisfied.

Despite missing several players and being restricted on how they could use others, CHS chased visiting Bellevue Christian to the very end of a narrow 47-43 loss.

The Wolves survived and thrived despite suffering through a cold spell in the second quarter — when they were outscored 16-4 — “winning” every other eight-minute period.

Coupeville jumped out to a 15-13 lead after one quarter, with Mason Grove going off for 13 points by himself.

Smith could only call on his sophomore gunner in two quarters, leaving Grove available for varsity play.

He still finished with a game-high 18 points, including four balls from behind the three-point arc.

Grove wasn’t Coupeville’s only weapon, though, as fellow sophomore Koa Davison dropped in 10 of his 13 points during a third-quarter run.

“Koa hit the gear I have been waiting to see,” a satisfied Smith said.

After falling behind by 10 at the break, the Wolves steadily chipped away at the lead in the second half.

“I was thrilled that at the end of the game we were thinking about strategy and what we needed to do to win down by four with :47 left on the clock,” Smith said. “We came up a little short, but the energy and excitement were there.”

Ulrik Wells banged home six points in support of Grove and Davison, while Daniel Olson and Jean Lund-Olsen added three apiece.

Sage Downes, Gavin Knoblich, Alex Jimenez, David Prescott and Jacobi Pilgrim also saw floor time for the Wolves, who have played much better than their 1-6 record might indicate.

“I may call this one of our best games of the season,” Smith said. “This was the most balanced game we have played offensively and defensively.

“We went into the game with the goal of playing patient/attacking offense and aggressive/efficient defense,” he added. “For the most part that is what we did and it was working.”

As the Wolves get ready for their final game before the winter break, next Wednesday at home against Concrete, their coach likes the direction they are headed.

“Overall an extremely positive game for us,” Smith said. “If this group plays fundamental basketball, while playing together as a team, they will be tough to beat.”