1A Olympic League | Coupeville Sports

Posts Tagged ‘1A Olympic League’

Stone-cold superstar!!

Posted in A freakin' American hero, Girls Basketball, tagged 1A Olympic League, Amy King, Basketball, CHS Wolves, Makana Stone on November 18, 2014| Leave a Comment »

You can run from Makana Stone, but she’s still going to catch you. (John Fisken photos)

“No, I don’t think my elbow is supposed to bend this way, coach…”

Makana Stone is a superstar, in more ways than one.

Hands down the best athlete at Coupeville High School, male or female, the Wolf junior is also a prime example of how a person can combine grace, humility, warmth and book smarts with award-winning talent.

She remains one of the most genuinely likeable, friendly, caring people you will ever meet, and is probably blushing right now.

Not one to toot her own horn, Stone has gotten taller, quicker and more explosive as she has grown up, but the shy, sweet little girl I first met when she was but a preschooler is still there.

When you cover small town sports, it’s easy to find yourself silently rooting for these kids to succeed.

Journalists are supposed to operate at a distance from their subjects, but hey, there are some in the badly-fading newspaper industry who desperately want you to believe bloggers aren’t journalists, so I guess I’m not bound by all that.

And I always root for Makana.

She is the gold standard for Wolf student/athletes, the heir to Breanna Messner and Nick Streubel, both when she’s competing and when she’s just operating in real life.

By the time she’s done, she will likely own 93.4% of the CHS track and field records (and probably a couple of state titles), but it’s basketball where she is at her most electrifying.

Makana can outrun, out-jump and out-thrill just about anyone on the hard-court.

She was a First-Team All-Cascade Conference player as a sophomore while bumping elbows with the best King’s, ATM and the big 2A schools could throw at her.

Now, as she and her teammates head into the 1A Olympic League, this is her moment to shine.

Stone has already been a dominant player; now, it’s her time to rise up and truly become phenomenal.

She skipped soccer this fall, choosing to work on basketball and play with Coupeville’s “fall ball” squad. That came on the heels of playing with a traveling hoops squad that crisscrossed the USA this summer.

As she prepared to head into the opening day of practice Monday, Stone offered up these thoughts on the season ahead:

I am so ready for basketball to start!

I’ve been so excited and have been waiting to play with this upcoming team since our last game last year.

I feel like we are capable of anything we set our minds to. And I feel like this is our year to make it to state!

My goal for this season is to be an asset on the team and tear it up on the court both on offense and defense.

We’ve got a really good group of returners from last year and a handful of new girls that are bringing skill to the court and will be exciting to play with.

It’s gonna be a season to remember!

Make it so.

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“I always believe in our team!!”

Posted in Girls Basketball, tagged 1A Olympic League, Basketball, CHS Wolves, David King, Kacie Kiel, Madeline Strasburg, Makana Stone on November 17, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Wynter Thorne (left) works on her game during an open gym. (John Fisken photos)

Julia Myers (far left), Monica Vidoni (42) and Madeline Strasburg return for their senior season, while Amanda Fabrizi (far right) has left for college.

“As a team, our goals are set high.”

With much of the core of last year’s squad — the winningest of Whidbey’s six high school hoops squads — back for another go-round, this time bolstered by what could be an impressive freshman class, Coupeville High School girls’ basketball coach David King is optimistic.

“We can do some good things this season; it starts with every player dedicating each day to get better as a team and to improve their individual game,” King said. “Our goals, from my perspective, are to compete every game and play hard from the start of each game until the final horn at the end of a game.

“I believe we can finish in one of the top two spots in our league. Getting a home court play-off game is something we are striving for,” he added. “And we coach and play to get to state.”

A year ago, the Wolves won 10 games, including a thrilling home playoff victory over Meridian.

Now, they are primed to kick off their first season in the new 1A Olympic League.

King’s and ATM are gone from the schedule, and Coupeville will play three games against each of its new rivals — Port Townsend, Klahowya and Chimacum.

How that will play out is one of the great unknowns.

“There’s always a learning curve for a team that moves into a new league,” King said. “If we put the effort and work in up front and run our defense and offense like we should, then we will fit right in with this new league.

“We are excited to see how we do against more 1A teams, even though I will miss playing against the bigger schools in the Cascade Conference.”

On paper Klahowya is probably the team to beat, since it’s the biggest school by far and is coming off an especially strong fall season. Of course, the games are played on the court and not on paper.

“I always believe in our team and what we can accomplish,” King said. “Klahowya seems to have done well in both soccer and volleyball, so they may be the team to beat. Port Townsend and Chimacum had good athletes on soccer and volleyball as well.

“I think after we get through a game with each team, then we will have a better idea on who the team to beat would be.”

For now, he and assistant coach Amy King will focus on their own team, one that lost only two players (Breeanna Messner and Amanda Fabrizi) to graduation.

However, those two were battle-tested captains who had started playing for the Kings before high school. Who will step up and take the mantle of leadership is a prime question.

“Both Breeanna and Amanda are going to be hard to replace. They understood what I wanted out of them as players and what we as a team needed to do to get to where we wanted to be as a team,” King said. “Replacing the five years of experience we had together on the basketball court is tough.

“However, we have some very capable players to step in and fill the roles,” he added. “Kacie (Kiel) has been a huge driving force with the off-season open gyms and with the fall team. I expect her to continue to take on a leadership role.

“Makana (Stone) gained experience playing on a club team that traveled to Chicago, Tennessee and California to play against some very good competition. She will be able to draw on these experiences and help guide our program through the learning and playing against tougher competition. Maddie (Strasburg) has been a vocal leader since she stepped onto the court as a freshman; I don’t see this changing with her.

“I have seen a maturity in the other seniors and some underclassmen,” he added. “I can see others emerging as leaders as the season progresses.”

Coupeville returns seven players with varsity experience, led by Stone, a First-Team All-Cascade Conference player as a sophomore.

The lightning-quick junior, a two-way terror who “will see time at all five positions,” will be joined by seniors Kiel (point guard/wing), Strasburg (point guard), Julia Myers (post), Hailey Hammer (post), Monica Vidoni (post) and Wynter Thorne (post/wing).

Along with Messner and Fabrizi, two other varsity players from 2013-2014 have vanished from the roster (McKayla Bailey is injured and Carlie Rosenkrance moved), opening spots up for what could be an intense battle.

“Every player has an opportunity to prove why they should be on the varsity team,” King said. “They have to show this not just during the first week during tryouts, but each and every day throughout the season.

“This is based on the following: attitude, team first, give 100% effort every day, be defensive minded, willingness to learn, make the necessary adjustments to improve your game and, of course, skill.”

Junior McKenzie Bailey and sophomores Lauren Grove and Kailey Kellner are expected to be among the leading contenders for other varsity slots, but, as with the start of any new season, there is always an air of excitement hanging over who might emerge from the heat of battle.

And one of the most intriguing story-lines could emerge from the freshman class and how quickly those players develop.

“There are six incoming freshman that show potential and are athletic,” King said. “Each has something to bring and help improve our program. It will be good to see how they improve over the season against high school competition.”

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Hoops hopes ‘n dreams: The gals!!

Posted in Girls Basketball, tagged 1A Olympic League, Basketball, CHS Wolves, Hailey Hammer, Kacie Kiel, Lauren Grove on November 16, 2014| Leave a Comment »

McKenzie Bailey is among the returning CHS players excited about a new season. (John Fisken photo)

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

If you like basketball, that is. Cause if you’re more of a wrestler, swimmer or gymnast, Coupeville High School is not the school for you.

The Wolves spring from the smallest 1A school in the state and when it comes to winter sports, it’s hoops or start planning for spring.

Thankfully, a lot of CHS students do like basketball. Of course, we’ll see how many when the first day of practice kicks off Monday.

As we sit at this moment — we’ll call it Basketball Eve — let’s take a moment to check in with some of the players planning to lace up their high tops and start running lines.

Everything is fresh and new again and hopes and dreams run wild, tempered with the knowledge that every season is started off with at least a bit of conditioning.

Tiffany Briscoe (Sophomore):

With basketball starting I’m a mess of excitement and jitters.

I think everyone is going in with a really positive outlook for this season. We’re in a new league and it’s a new chance for us to build up a name for Coupeville basketball.

I personally can not wait for the season to start. I’m hoping we can build on all the teachings we went through in open gyms.

I want to make a big impact in this league. We have the potential, the determination, and right now I think it’s really about fine tuning those skills.

Under the coaching of the Kings, I know that they will lead us to that.

I’d really love to take a majority of these games this season. And I believe we can do it!

I am just so excited! Though, I have to say, I know I’ll be hobbling around for the first week due to killer sore muscles, lol.

Kacie Kiel (Senior):

Well, basketball is definitely going to change this culture this year; everyone dreams of going to state, but I can say we are going to state!

I hope to improve my game so others will do the same; we are such a tight-knit group of girls and we are going far!

Basketball is one of the greatest sports ever but it doesn’t start til we are in condition and that’s the only thing I fear this year.

McKenzie Bailey (Junior):

Monday is the day where a new season starts.

I’m so excited to see our team together again. We are a family and it shows when we are on the court.

I’m very excited to get this season underway and excited to be back in the game.

Yes, the conditioning is going to be very intense but anything to make us better will be great.

We are such a good team and I know that these seniors want to go out with a bang, and I want to make that happen for them. We all do.

We are in a new league and this is our chance to prove how great we are. We want to start at the top and stay at the top.

Hey, maybe even make it to state; anything is possible with this team because we have so much heart and passion for this game.

It’s going to be a great season!

Lauren Grove (Sophomore):

I can’t wait for the season to begin.

Of course the main goal is always to win games. Another goal of mine is for Coupeville girls basketball to pose a threat to the other schools.

With hard work and dedication I know that we can accomplish great things and have a very successful season.

The conditioning isn’t always fun, but it’s what makes us better.

With that being said, I encourage my teammates to give it their all and come ready to work hard everyday.

Madeline Strasburg (Senior):

Senior year basketball, where do I begin?

Well, first, I am so amazed at how fast everything has progressed and that it is already time to kick start basketball season again, for the last time.

Also, I could never ask for a better group of girls to spend my last season with.

My sophomore year, when the Kings took over the program, our motto was to change the culture; honestly, I believe that we have undoubtedly accomplished that goal, and even taken that challenge to the next level.

With continuing hard work and the hunger to succeed, I personally believe that our team is the next STATE bound group of athletes!

I am so amped to get back in the gym and play with my girls!

I said it already, but our team has an enormous potential, we just have to get in touch with it.

My excitement to dominate the floor and our new conference is practically overflowing. We just have to go after it!

Hailey Hammer (Senior):

My hopes for this season is to come as one and win of course!

Basketball is definitely not my favorite sport, hurting my ankle is always in the back of my head, which sucks.

I am both excited and not excited because I don’t always enjoy basketball because it’s not my sport, but I’m excited to play with my senior girls one last time.

Monica Vidoni (Senior):

My hopes for the season is that we will be first in our league.

We have a lot of potential this year with our returners and some new upcoming people; our team is very talented and I believe that we will go very far this season.

I am very excited for the season; I have been waiting since the season last year.

Julia Myers (Senior):

I’m looking forward to basketball season with the girls a ton this year!

We have so much potential and I’d like to see us go to state this year. I have a feeling this is the year!

Also, the Kings are awesome, and I’m looking forward to having them coach me one last time!

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Hoops hopes ‘n dreams: The guys!!

Posted in Boys Basketball, tagged 1A Olympic League, Aaron Trumbull, Basketball, CHS Wolves, Gabe Wynn, Matt Shank on November 16, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Jared Helmstadter was Mr. Hustle in 2013-2014. He’s not slowing down in 2014-2015. (John Fisken photo)

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

If you like basketball, that is. Cause if you’re more of a wrestler, swimmer or gymnast, Coupeville High School is not the school for you.

The Wolves spring from the smallest 1A school in the state and when it comes to winter sports, it’s hoops or start planning for spring.

Thankfully, a lot of CHS students do like basketball. Of course, we’ll see how many when the first day of practice kicks off Monday.

As we sit at this moment — we’ll call it Basketball Eve — let’s take a moment to check in with some of the players planning to lace up their high tops and start running lines.

Everything is fresh and new again and hopes and dreams run wild, tempered with the knowledge that every season is started off with at least a bit of conditioning.

Matt Shank (Senior):

My goals for this season would be to become the greatest asset to my team that I can be, through tough defense, rebounds, and hopefully consistent scoring!

I’m excited for the new conference but also the new team; I’m interested what the starting lineup will look like and I’m also really excited to play.

Conditioning will play a big role in getting me ready for the season, no one loves it but everyone needs it!

Gabe Wynn (Sophomore):

I have a great feeling about this season; we have all the components of an amazing basketball team, now all we need to do is come together and execute.

My hopes are to have a winning season for our team and be league champs!

I’m excited to play and share the court with my teammates, however I am also not looking forward to being put into “basketball” shape.

But no matter what, I want to be working as hard as I can!

I’m feeling optimistic about basketball this year!

Dante Mitchell (Junior):

Hmmm. Well, my hope for this season is to have a better record then last year — that’s number one!

But other than that, have fun playing with the seniors while this is our last time to make memories and build a better friendship.

I hope this year that I have a better year this year then I did last year.

As for practice on Monday, I know it’s going to be a hell of a lot of running, but it’s actually not all that bad.

Once you get past that, it’s pretty much smooth sailing sometimes.

But for me, I just want to go in there give it my all at the sport I love and do my best to impress my family, friends, coaches and my mom especially.

Aaron Trumbull (Senior):

I can say that we are changing a few things this year which will make us a different ball team than our past three years.

We are in a new conference and we, as a team, have set high goals for the season.

We are going to continue to work hard, compete and surprise a few teams this year.

I’m looking forward to a great senior season.

Jared Helmstadter (Junior):

Boys basketball conference CHAMPIONS!!

DeAndre Mitchell (Junior):

My hope for this season is that first I get cleared to play from my current hand injury and that I will be able to play healthy and we go out and have a great season.

My dream is to hopefully be able to step onto the court this season and play the game I love most.

I want to have a successful season and come back and drop more of my three-point arsenal and my hustle plays.

My feelings for basketball are high; I live for the game, it’s very important to me.

Having to sit out due to my hand injury while I watch my boys play at lunch is not easy for me.

I want to get up and go ball with them, but knowing that I can’t hurts.

If I’m not able to play this season I just want to let my boys know that I’ll be there at every game and support them.

Most likely my heart is leaning towards manager for the team this year so I can come back healthy next year.

But hey, it’s going to be a surprise if I’m out there, so stay tuned.

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How do you spell Bayne? M-V-P!!

Posted in Football, tagged 1A Olympic League, CHS Wolves, football, Joel Walstad, Josh Bayne, Matt Shank, Oscar Liquidano on November 14, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Josh Bayne (John Fisken photos)

Oscar Liquidano mans the line.

It took almost a decade in the last league, but just one semester in the new one.

Coming on the heels of Ben Etzell being named the baseball MVP of the 1A/2A Cascade Conference in the spring — the only time a Coupeville High School player took home that league’s top honor in any sport — Josh Bayne reached the top of the mountain in his new home.

Bayne, who led all 1A players in the state in rushing yards (1,528), touchdowns (25) and interceptions (6), was selected as the first football MVP in the new 1A Olympic League.

While Port Townsend (5-1 in conference) claimed the league title, there was little doubt that Coupeville’s two-way terror would claim top individual honors. Any other choice might have incited a riot.

In addition to the numbers above, Bayne also caught 31 passes for 460 yards, made 11 kickoff/punt returns for 224 yards and compiled 2,281 all-purpose yards. The one time he took a pitch and dropped back to pass, he completed a 43-yard bomb.

On defense he racked up 91 tackles (77 solo, 14 assists), which put him #3 in 1A, while recovering four fumbles and garnering two sacks to go with his picks.

Bayne wasn’t the only Wolf to be honored when coaches met, with four other CHS gridiron giants being tabbed for First-Team honors.

Senior Aaron Wright was honored for his work on the offensive line, while seniors Matt Shank and Oscar Liquidano were picked as defensive lineman. Junior Wiley Hesselgrave earned his spot as a linebacker.

Senior quarterback Joel Walstad and freshman defensive back Hunter Smith earned Honorable Mention status.

Smith was the only 9th grader in the league to be honored.

The complete award list:

MVP — Josh Bayne, sr., RB, Coupeville

Offensive MVP — David Sua, jr., RB, Port Townsend

Defensive MVP — Gabriel Wallis, so., LB, Klahowya

Coaching staff of the year — Port Townsend

Sportsmanship — Coupeville

First Team Offense:

QB — Jeff Seton, sr., Port Townsend
RB — Konner Langholff, sr., Klahowya
RB — Wesley Walker, jr., Port Townsend
WR — Casey Sargent, sr., Klahowya
WR — Tanner Zuber, sr., Klahowya
TE — Connor Schnuit, sr., Klahowya
OL — David Hoglund, jr., Port Townsend
OL — Zach Parcher, sr., Port Townsend
OL — Brady Whetsel, sr., Klahowya
OL — Aaron Wright, sr., Coupeville
OL — Luke Flanigan, sr., Port Townsend

First Team Defense:

DL — Oscar Liquidano, sr., Coupeville
DL — Liam Anderson, sr., Port Townsend
DL — Matt Shank, sr., Coupeville
LB — Wiley Hesselgrave, jr., Coupeville
LB — Keegan Khile, jr., Port Townsend
LB — Austin Gruenhagen, sr., Klahowya
LB — Zach Wilson, sr., Port Townsend
DB — Dylan Zuber, so., Klahowya
DB — Drew Yackulic, jr., Chimacum
DB — Austin Sargent, sr., Klahowya
DB — Jacob Ralls, jr., Port Townsend