“Proud of my girls!”

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“Proud of my girls!”

November 30, 2022 by David Svien

Coupeville JV hoops coach Kassie O’Neil led her team to a rivalry win in her debut. (Photos by JohnsPhotos.net)

She’s a winner at every level.

During her playing days, Kassie O’Neil dropped daggers on the hardwood, making rival teams cry and sparking Coupeville High School girls’ basketball teams to big victories.

Now that she’s moved to the bench, nothing has changed.

Making her debut as the Wolf JV girls coach Wednesday, O’Neil provided the game plan and her pack of hoops assassins responded, drilling host South Whidbey 27-21 in the season opener for both teams.

Bringing out a who’s-who of fans, including lil’ sis Katie Smith, a Wolf hoops legend in her own right, Killer Kassie will file this one away in her drawer of great memories.

“Definitely still riding on that winning high,” O’Neil said while basking in the afterglow.

“Proud of my girls.”

Coupeville opened strong and closed strong, turning a 7-2 lead after one quarter into a 15-8 advantage at the half.

While the Falcons put together a mini run in the third quarter, slicing their deficit to 18-13, the Wolves were too much for South Whidbey to handle down the stretch.

O’Neil got floor time for 11 players, with seven Wolves making the nets pop.

Desi Ramirez-Vasquez paced CHS with seven points, while Jada Heaton and Kierra Thayer backed her up with five apiece.

Coupeville’s attack was rounded out by solid scoring work from Madison McMillan (4), Teagan Calkins (3), Bryley Gilbert (2), and Skylar Parker (1).

Kassidy Upchurch, Kayla Arnold, Liza Zustiak, and Reese Wilkinson also saw floor time for the Wolves, who return to action this Saturday with a home game against Lakewood.

Tipoff time for the JV girls is 7:00 PM.