Coupeville’s 7/8 SWISH girls basketball team hits the floor for the first time. (Photos courtesy Fred Farris)
Avery Parker, the undisputed champ of the local art scene, shows support for big sis Skylar.
The gym is open for business.
Coupeville’s 7th/8th grade SWISH girls basketball squad hit the floor for the first time this weekend, playing a seeding game against “a tenacious and seasoned Nooksack team.”
The Wolves, who boast an 11-player roster, forced the game to overtime before falling 17-14.
Lauren Marrs and Brionna Blouin paced Coupeville with six points apiece, both hitting a pair of three-balls, while Savina Wells dropped in a bucket to round out the scoring.
With the start of the regular season coming next Saturday, Nov. 2, the seeding game was a good way for Wolf coach Fred Farris to see the hand he’s been dealt.
A noted hoops star back in his own day, the Coupeville round-ball sage likes the promise his young players are already showing.
Middle school volleyball and club soccer have been vying for his girls time, but, once together on the hardwood, they immediately begin clicking.
“The girls made up for expected lack of execution with effort and heart!,” Farris said.
“Savina, Lauren, and Lyla (Stuurman’s) previous experience with SWISH was very obvious on the court,” he added. “They really took charge on the floor.”
Farris has a young roster, with seven of 11 players being 7th graders, and several of his young stars being newbies to the increased pace and pressure.
“This was many of the girls first experience with high level competitive basketball,” he said. “They went from not sure about wanting to go in the game to being excited about our next game and getting more floor time.
“Savina was very strong on the defensive end and the boards,” Farris added. “Lauren was a force on both ends.
“Lyla was an absolute beast on defense and the boards. Skylar (Parker) rounded out our starters and was sure on both ends.
Coupeville’s roster also includes Reese Wilkinson, Madison McMillan, Katie Marti, Mia Farris, Jada Heaton, and Taylor Brotemarkle.
Whether seasoned pros or relative newcomers, they all showed considerable promise.
“Everyone contributed and gave everything they had,” Fred Farris said. “It will be so exciting to see this group grow together on the court!”
