Coupeville Sports

Kennedy O’Neill, seen here last season, is a key veteran player for the CMS hoops program. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)

The building process begins.

While the Coupeville Middle School girls’ basketball teams lost their opening games at South Whidbey Wednesday, Wolf coaches Brooke Crowder and Makana Stone came away pleased with a lot of what they saw.

“We had some really good hustle and effort – a great baseline for us to work forwards from,” Stone said.

South Whidbey came into the tip-off games with a lot more experience and floor time among their assembled players, and it showed at times. But that is something CMS can improve on.

“We forced our offense on both teams and struggled to stick to our defensive principles,” Stone said. “Of course, some of that can be chalked up to first game jitters, some of it to being a new team finding our footing.

“After the games, the team is ready and eager to dial into upcoming practices!”

Coupeville’s Level 1 team was limited to just six points, with Kaleigha Millison banking in five, while Kennedy O’Neill netted a free throw.

Cameron Van Dyke, Elizabeth Marshall, Aubrey Flowers, Sophia Batterman, Cassandra Powers, Emma Cushman, Zayne Roos, and Allison Powers also saw floor time for the Wolves.

The Level 2 squad made the nets jump at a much better rate, with six different players recording points.

Annaliese Powers knocked down six to pace her squad, with Finley Helm (4), Hazel Goldman (4), Savannah Coxsey (2), Sabrina Judnich (2), and Emma Green (1) keeping the scorekeeper’s pen busy.

Claire Lachnit, Addison Jacobson, Selah Rivera, and KeeAyra Brown rounded out the roster, while Coupeville’s #3 team had the day off as South Whidbey only fields two teams.

After opening on the road, Coupeville is at home for most of the rest of the month.

The Wolves host Sultan (Feb. 17), Granite Falls (Feb. 19), and Northshore Christian Academy (Feb. 25) before heading off-Island again.

As Coupeville goes forward, Crowder and Stone will continue to focus on growth and improvement.

“We will be a hardworking team this season – building a strong team culture, step by step,” Stone said.

“We’re excited to keep building and to fully embrace the way of the WolfPack!”