Hurlee Bronec dominates in the paint. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)
They had them on the ropes but couldn’t land the knockout punch.
Facing a Mount Vernon Christian squad which went undefeated in league play this season, the Coupeville High School varsity boys’ basketball team carried a lead into the fourth quarter in Saturday’s District 1/2 tourney semifinal.
But the Hurricanes rallied, to a 14-1 tune across the last eight minutes, escaping with a 39-30 victory on their home floor, sending the Wolves to the consolation side of the bracket.
Coupeville, now 8-13 on the season, can still net a return trip to state, but it will take three wins in five days.
All of those clashes would play out in the CHS gym, beginning with a Tuesday tilt with Orcas Island.
Beat the Vikings, who they knocked off twice in the regular season, and the Wolves return to their home court Thursday to play either Friday Harbor or Auburn Adventist Academy.
If they’re still alive, Brad Sherman’s squad plays either MVC or La Conner Saturday with a trip to the big dance at stake.
To see the bracket, pop over to:
https://www.wpanetwork.com/wiaa/brackets/tournament.php?act=view&tournament_id=4588
The first two times Coupeville squared off with MVC this season, the Wolves lost 69-50 and 61-47.
Meeting #3 was a different story, however, as CHS clamped down on defense and led at the end of each of the first three quarters.
Neither team racked up many points in the opening frame, with a Hunter Bronec three-ball staking Coupeville to a 6-4 lead at the first break.
From there, the battle was of the royal variety, with the Wolves holding their own against their highly ranked foes.
Up 19-16 at the half, then 29-25 heading into the fourth, Coupeville held the ‘Canes down, until Lucas Millenaar erupted in the final frame.
The MVC senior, who had been held to four points on the night, went off for 13 in the fourth, providing 99.2% of the offense during a game-closing 14-1 surge.
While his team fell just short, Brad Sherman gave postgame kudos to his players.
“Our boys played their hearts out,” said the CHS coach.
Hunter Bronec slices ‘n dices the defense. (Parker Hammons photo)
The Battlin’ Bronec Brothers led the way, with Hurlee tossing in a team-high 12 points and Hunter adding seven in support of his twin.
Chase Anderson (6), Camden Glover (3), and Jack Porter (2) rounded out the scoring, with Landon Roberts, Johnny Porter, and Malachi Somes also seeing floor time for the Wolves.
Three different CHS players reached personal milestones in the game, with Hurlee Bronec (261) cracking the 250-point club, while Hunter Bronec (200) and Camden Glover (102) also hit noteworthy numbers.
Coupeville Sports 