Lauren Grove was one of several Wolves who stepped up Tuesday night to help CHS grit out a win at Klahowya. (John Fisken photo)
Who wants it more?
Tuesday night’s girls’ basketball tilt between Coupeville and Klahowya, featuring two teams under the weather, hinged on heart.
And, despite missing one starter and having another limited in her availability, the Wolves won on grit and determination, besting host Klahowya 35-25.
The win lifts Coupeville to 4-2 overall, 2-0 in 1A Olympic League play.
It’s the 20th consecutive win, without a loss, for the Wolves, since they joined the four-team league in 2014. That ties Klahowya girls’ soccer for the longest unbeaten streak among all league programs.
With three non-conference games up next on the schedule, plus Christmas break, the Wolves don’t face another league game until Jan. 3.
Tuesday night was one of the times on the winning streak where Coupeville truly had to find a different gear to stay flawless.
“We won because of heart!,” CHS coach David King said. “I agree 100% with Tiffany (Briscoe). “Not only was it heart, but we gutted out a very slow-paced game and were determined to make enough plays to win.”
The Wolf round-ball guru discounted the travel time (“We have been on a bus much longer than a game in Silverdale”) and the muted Eagle crowd (“I do know their gym is very quiet. That still isn’t an excuse for our play”), though he did acknowledge his squad is a bit banged up.
Tiffany Briscoe sat out the game because of a leg injury (and not, as mom Amy stated, that “she’s out until she cleans her room”), while point guard Mia Littlejohn fought through illness.
“It’s that time of the year, and players need to dig deep and figure out a way to get a win,” King said. “Mia has been one that it’s really taken a toll on.
“She gave everything she had tonight in limited minutes along with Lindsey (Roberts) and a few others.”
With starters down, King looked to his bench to provide a boost, and it did.
“Others have the opportunity to step up,” he said. “Kalia (Littlejohn) is a spark plug for us when she’s on the court. Tonight was no different.
“With our starters coming out in slow motion, Kalia helped bring our energy level up.”
A sluggish first quarter ended in a 7-7 tie, before the Wolves, behind the play of senior Kailey Kellner, stretched things out to 18-13 at the half.
Kalia Littlejohn, Lauren Grove and Charlotte Langille chipped in with buckets to back Kellner, who hit for five in the quarter.
For Langille, a transfer from New Hampshire, it was her first varsity bucket as a Wolf.
Even with the lead, Coupeville went to the locker room not satisfied, something King appreciated.
“The players knew we weren’t playing well in the half; turnovers and a lackluster offense contributed to our woes,” he said. “Going into the halftime break, Tiffany started it and the rest of the team contributed as well.
“When the coaches walked in, they were discussing our play and what we needed to do to play better,” King said. “This was a big step for them. Recognizing what needed to be fixed and what was working well.”
The Wolves immediately responded to the self-analysis, coming out aggressively on defense in the second half.
“We did a good job of getting deflections and keeping the pressure on Klahowya,” King said.
Mikayla Elfrank, who made off with a team-high four steals, was a dynamo, giving CHS several breakaways for game-changing layups, with all of her teammates jumping in on the chance to bang home a bucket.
“In this type of a game, you try and find any combination of players that will give energy, effort and a chance to win,” King said.
Allison Wenzel came off the bench to help fill the gap left by Briscoe’s absence, snatching six rebounds and giving her team a considerable boost.
She was one of five Wolves to haul in five or more boards — Elfrank led with 10, followed by Kellner (8), Wenzel, Kalia Littlejohn (5) and Roberts (5) — allowing Coupeville to hit a team goal.
“We have to rebound as a team,” King said. “Tonight, we accomplished that.”
Kellner paced CHS with a game-high 12 points, while Elfrank knocked down seven.
Kalia Littlejohn (4), Grove (3), Lauren Rose (2), Langille (2), Mia Littlejohn (2), Sarah Wright (2) and Kyla Briscoe (1) all chipped in, as well.
“I’m very happy with the win,” King said. “One thing I do know about this team and my teams in the past — they all have heart! No matter the situation, I know they are going to give everything they have to the team.
“We see glimpses of a team that can play tough defense and one that shares the ball to get teammates good looks,” he added. “It’s fun to watch when we are doing these things. The players are seeing things differently this year and that’s a great sign.”
