Haylee Armstrong, dropping daggers and taking names. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)
They’re deceptive.
Off the court, Adeline Maynes and Haylee Armstrong come across as very kind young women, the sort of people you’d leave your baby or puppy with and feel like the tykes would come home happier than when they left.
But hand the Wolf duo a basketball, fling open the door to the gymnasium, and woe to anyone foolish enough to wander into their path.
“Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds” are possibly the last words you’ll hear before the destruction hits like a hurricane, leaving twisted bodies and psyches in their wake.
Or something like that.
Suffice it to say that Maynes and Armstrong — which sort of sounds like a powerhouse law firm — are the linchpins of the Coupeville High School JV girls’ basketball team.
And once again the dazzling duo went off Tuesday night, this time wreaking havoc on visiting Concrete.
Combining to rattle the rims for 35 points, Coupeville’s twin terrors outscored the Lions by themselves, spurring Scout Smith’s squad to a resounding 62-30 win.
The victory lifts the Wolf JV to 3-2 in Northwest 2B/1B League play, 4-5 overall, heading into a road trip Friday to the wilds of Orcas Island.
While Maynes and Armstrong were the tip of the spear, it was a strong team-wide effort all night, with much of Coupeville’s success springing from its work on the defensive end of the floor.
“Our team played a great game, executed our system well, and fought hard,” Smith said. “This team continues to adapt and improve to develop as players and not remain stagnant in their play.”
Maynes “did an excellent job crashing the boards and getting putback points,” while Lexis Drake “did an excellent job defensively.
“She played an integral role in our press, sniping any long range passes the offense tried to make.”
Once they had control of the ball, Smith’s rampaging warriors kept the pressure on Concrete, immediately kicking into gear.
“We pushed the ball up the court, ran the floor well, and attacked the hoop offensively,” Smith said.
“We were tenacious and active on defense both on the ball and in help.”
Coupeville surged to a 13-6 lead after one quarter, then steadily added to the lead quarter after quarter.
Up 22-14 at the half, the Wolves went on a 23-10 romp in the third frame, with Maynes pouring in 11 points.
The fab frosh finished with a season-best 23 points, while Armstrong netted a trio of three-balls on her way to 12 in support.
Capri Anter (8), Ava Lucero (8), Drake (5), Sydney Van Dyke (4), and Marin Winger (2) also scored, with Amelia Crowder, Chelsi Stevens, and Jeann Nitta all seeing floor time in the win.
Smith, who is in her first season at the helm of the Wolf JV, is enjoying watching the growth of her young players.
“Overall, I continue to be impressed with this team and the effort and energy they bring to each game,” she said.
“They continue to pursue excellence day in and day out.”
Coupeville Sports 