Coupeville’s Savina Wells (middle), Jada Heaton (right) and Taylor Brotemarkle (headband) clamp down on defense. (Corinn Parker photos)
Lyla Stuurmans has been a steady point guard for the Wolves.
Lauren Marrs is a deadly outside shooter.
Mia Farris gave Coupeville “a spark on defense” Saturday.
One basket away from a major upset.
Playing their “best game of the year,” the Coupeville SWISH girls basketball squad rallied late Saturday, but fell just shy of toppling powerhouse Mount Baker in a 26-25 thriller.
Returning to action after their bye week, the Wolves stormed back from seven down with 3:30 to play, but needed a tick or two more on the clock to make the miracle fully happen.
“With another possession or two, I would have loved our chances, as I felt the momentum was on our side,” said Coupeville coach Fred Farris. “Everyone got involved and our team passing was much improved.
“Real proud of all the girls, who impressed me with their teamwork, energy, and effort!”
CMS 7th grader Savina Wells paced the Wolves with 12 points and a game-high 17 rebounds, while Lauren Marrs knocked down seven points.
Katie Marti, Madison McMillan, and Brionna Blouin chipped in with a bucket apiece, with Marti’s basket, her first of the season, coming off of “a great offensive rebound and put back.”
After falling behind early, the Wolves played strongly in the second half, with everyone on the 12-player roster chipping in with a contribution.
Coupeville got the looks it wanted, but the basket didn’t always play fair.
“We got up a lot of good open shots that just didn’t fall,” Fred Farris said. “Savina was a force on the boards again and Lyla (Stuurmans) really did a great job against their pressure.
“Lauren really stepped up in a leadership role and helped rally the girls to a frantic late game comeback,” he added. “Mia (Farris) and Taylor (Brotemarkle) really gave us a spark on defense in their limited time on the court.”
Stuurmans snared seven rebounds, with McMillan and Brotemarkle making off with four apiece.
Skylar Parker, Jada Heaton, Chloe Marzocca, and Reese Wilkinson rounded out the Wolf roster.
Coupeville returns to Skagit County the next two Saturdays as the SWISH season wraps up.
The Wolves close the regular season Dec. 7 with a doubleheader against Friday Harbor and Mount Baker, then compete in the postseason tourney the following weekend.
