Coupeville Sports

Zane Oldenstadt was one of five Wolves who scored Thursday as Coupeville’s JV boys won their first game of the season. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)

Hunter Smith is in the fraternity.

The player turned coach won his first game since picking up the clipboard, guiding the Coupeville High School JV boys basketball squad to a 37-21 drubbing of visiting La Conner Thursday night.

After several close calls, the victory lifts the young Wolves to 1-3 on the season.

Smith’s first W came in front of sister Scout, mom Charlotte, and dad Chris, who was the Wolf JV coach until stepping down after last season.

While the former roundball sage was wearing a mask, his smile after the victory came pouring out around the edges.

Meanwhile, the ever-calm Hunter, who rarely betrayed his feelings as he poured in 847 varsity points during his days in a CHS uniform, nodded (slightly) and moved on with his night.

His young charges bolted out to a 10-4 lead against La Conner, with Jonathan Valenzuela pouring in five points in the first quarter.

After a pair of close frames, with Coupeville taking the second 7-6, before La Conner claimed the third 9-8, the Wolves put the win on ice.

The fourth quarter was Cole White time, with the freshman guard pouring in eight of his game-high 13 points during a game-capping 12-2 run.

Fellow frosh Logan Downes, making his first JV appearance of the season, added nine points, while Valenzuela (7), Dominic Coffman (6), and Zane Oldenstadt (2) also scored.

Not only did Hunter Smith nab the win, but he also emulated his father in working his roster like a seasoned pro, getting floor time for 14 players.

Andrew Williams, Mikey Robinett, Ryan Blouin, Nick Guay, Alex Wasik, Narciso Lopez, Nathan Ginnings, Quinten Simpson-Pilgrim, and William Davidson all can say they played in the landmark game.