The view from the Wolf bench. (Olivia Kelley photos)
Coupeville coach Pat Kelley offers some strategy during a timeout.
It was an honorable loss.
Facing off with a top-level AAU team that was coming off a dominating performance at the MLK Tournament in Bellingham, the Coupeville 6th grade SWISH boys’ basketball squad put up a considerable fight.
And, while the Wolves eventually fell 38-23 to the Hoopstars Saturday, it was much better than other teams have fared.
The Hoopstars entered the game averaging 46 points a game and have been beating foes by 20+ points. In their previous contest, they drilled Sedro-Woolley by 32.
With nothing to lose, the scrappy Wolves came out primed for battle from the opening tip.
Jake Mitten won the opening toss, tipping it to Sage Downes, who went hard to the basket, throwing down the bucket and drawing a foul in one explosive play.
Focusing on forcing the Hoopstars to beat them from long-distance, the Wolves rode a stingy defense to a 7-2 lead after one, resulting in the opposing coach offering a few choice words to her squad during the break.
The Hoopstars eventually broke through, however, hitting five consecutive three-point bombs to open up a lead they would never relinquish.
Still, Coupeville stayed tough inside, limiting the Hoopstars in the paint.
Logan Downes and Michael Laska, the mighty mites of the Wolf squad, led the charge in standing tough on defense and absorbing charges to draw offensive fouls.
On the offensive end of the court, Mitten “was an animal and on fire,” according to Coupeville coach Pat Kelley.
He paced the Wolves with 10 points, six rebounds and two steals, while Matthew Kelley dropped in six points, snatched six boards, rejected three shots and handed out four assists.
Sage Downes went for four points, two rebounds and six steals in support of the big two, with Daniel Olson chipping in with three points, three assists and two rebounds.
While their team absorbed a loss, the Wolf coaching staff was pleased with the grit shown against a premier program.
“Best play of the season by Coupeville,” Pat Kelley said. “Very seldom do you put plans in motion and the game goes as expected.
“It has been slow going in introducing the offense. Due to vacations and illness, the coaches took their time the past four weeks to bring the team on slowly,” he added. “Now that the team has their full offense and defense in place, they will work on perfecting the movement.
“A huge winning streak is anticipated versus some very worthy opponents.”
Coupeville Sports 