Senior Grady Rickner won the Hard Hat Player of the Year award Monday as Coupeville High School boys basketball capped its best season in decades. (Photos by JohnsPhotos.net)
First the hard work, now the hardware.
Coupeville High School basketball players and coaches capped off the program’s most-successful season in decades Monday, handing out letters and awards at a team banquet.
Dodging frequent Covid tests, and adapting to an ever-changing schedule, the Wolves soared.
Coupeville’s varsity finished 16-2, won its first league title since 2002, claimed a district crown for the first time since 1970, and advanced to state for the first time since 1988.
While the JV didn’t reach those same win totals, the Wolf young guns showed considerable promise and were competitive every time out.
Xavier Murdy headlined the awards banquet, taking home team MVP honors, while Caleb Meyer and Alex Murdy were honored as Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, respectively.
Grady Rickner closed out his prep hoops career by taking home the Hard Hat Player of the Year award.
That honor goes to a Wolf who “embodies the hard hat mentality,” said CHS head coach Brad Sherman. “Hard work, dedication to the little things, commitment to being a great teammate every day.”
Hawthorne Wolfe, a four-year varsity starter who finished with 800 career points, received “Mr. Basketball 2018-2022” honors.
“This recognition goes to an individual who showed an exceptional commitment to the Coupeville basketball program throughout their basketball career,” Sherman said.
“This is a person who is Coupeville basketball through and through.”
Hawthorne Wolfe finishes as the #14 scorer in the 105-year history of Coupeville boys basketball.
Xavier Murdy and Rickner were also honored for their work as varsity captains, while the duo joined Logan Martin, Miles Davidson, and Wolfe as four-year players.
At the JV level, Zane Oldenstadt (Hard Hat), Ryan Blouin (Offensive Player), and Quinten Simpson-Pilgrim (Defensive Player) were honored.
Oldenstadt and Nick Guay were noted for their work as JV captains, while David Somes was recognized for everything he did as team manager.
Zane Oldenstadt is a star today, and likely a star tomorrow.
Rounding out the awards, Sherman and assistant coaches Greg White, Hunter Smith, Randy Bottorff, and Arik Garthwaite also hailed a trio of behind-the-scenes stars.
“Courtney Pilgrim for her continued commitment and hard work for the team year in and year out,” Sherman said.
“Dan Verduzco, our custodian, for always making sure we have the best facilities anywhere and for the constant support and encouragement he gives to our athletes, and Phil Jump, our bus driver, for taking us to every corner of the state this season.”
Varsity letter winners:
Dominic Coffman
Logan Downes
Logan Martin
Caleb Meyer
Alex Murdy
Xavier Murdy
Grady Rickner
Jonathan Valenzuela
Cole White
Hawthorne Wolfe
Varsity participation certificates:
Hunter Bronec
Nick Guay
Zane Oldenstadt
JV participation certificates:
Ryan Blouin
Hunter Bronec
Hurlee Bronec
William Davidson
Carson Field
Nick Guay
Zane Oldenstadt
Jack Porter
Johnny Porter
Landon Roberts
Mikey Robinett
Quinten Simpson-Pilgrim
Coupeville Sports 
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