“The girls really want it this year!”

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“The girls really want it this year!”

November 28, 2022 by David Svien

Gwen Gustafson is part of a strong group of seniors who will lead the way for the CHS girls basketball program. (Photos by JohnsPhotos.net)

Become the best by learning from the best.

That’s the plan for the Coupeville High School girls’ varsity basketball team as it heads into year #2 under the direction of head coach Megan Richter.

Coming off of a 9-9 season which included a three-game playoff run, the Wolves are embracing the wisdom of legendary college hoops coach Pat Summitt.

“We have talked a lot about the difference between goals and objectives and refer to what we want to accomplish as objectives,” Richter said.

“Goals have an ending point and objectives are something you master and continue to do.”

With that in mind, Richter and her players are following Summitt’s “Definite Dozen” philosophy, which helped her guide University of Tennessee teams to an NCAA record 1,098 wins and eight national titles.

Some of those tenets include “respect yourself and others,” “take full responsibility,” “make hard work your passion,” and “handle success like you handle failure.”

Summitt preached putting team before self, while always being willing to change in pursuit of continued excellence.

“Those objectives will help us as individuals and as a team be successful on and off the court,” Richter said.

“On top of these objectives, we want to continue to grow our love for the game, continue to create a positive bond with each other, and have fun!” she added.

Coupeville returns a strong pack of seniors who form the core of the team, and Richter will look to them to provide leadership and intangibles.

Maddie Georges, Carolyn Lhamon, and Gwen Gustafson all return, while Alita Blouin is back after missing most of her junior season with an ankle injury.

Ryanne Knoblich, who last played basketball as a sophomore, rejoins the group for their last dance, with newcomer Cecilia Acevedo providing another seasoned senior to the roster.

“Cecilia is a sneaky guard who will be some fresh legs off the bench,” Richter said. “She’s quiet but super smart on the court. I’m excited to add her to our team.

“Ryanne will be a key player this year,” she added.

“She’s one of the hardest working athletes, with one of the best attitudes. She’s going to be a force to be reckoned with down low.”

With her seniors as her rocks, Richter will weave a number of younger players into the lineup, looking for the perfect mix.

“Maddie, Gwen, and Alita are all top guards and we’ll be able to interchange these girls at point and wing to allow us to attack from all angles and keep our legs fresh,” Richter said.

“Carolyn is going to be our most dominant rebounder and post defender this year.”

Carolyn Lhamon battles for position in the paint.

“All of these girls worked extremely hard over the summer to improve their skills and continue to do so in practice,” Richter said.

“All four of them have great leadership skills and have been vocal during practice to push their teammates.”

Coupeville’s aggressive mentality on the defensive end of the floor should be a major strength.

Having players who enjoy each other’s company is another positive.

“Our biggest strength is the bond this team has on and off the court,” Richter said. “It’s really fun to watch them interact and have fun together, and they are just a bunch of kind kids!

“Basketball wise, our strength will be our defense,” she added.

“We are quick and aggressive and starting to really see the floor. Which helps us also be more aggressive and confident on the offensive side as well.”

As the Wolves chase teams such as defending Northwest 2B/1B League champ La Conner — “always a tough team to beat” — Richter wants to see her team play as one solid unit.

“Our biggest challenge so far is communication on the floor,” she said. “We get so locked in on what needs to be done, that we forget to talk to each other.

“Which is the opposite of what happens off the court,” Richter added. “We have been working on this every day in practice and will grow in it as their confidence in themselves grows.”