Kamden Ratcliff rumbles in the paint. (Photos by JohnsPhotos.net)
Welcome to private school week.
Dodging a storm in the middle, the Coupeville Middle School boys’ basketball squads played back-to-back home games Tuesday and Wednesday against foes from ritzy campuses.
King’s came calling the first day, with Northshore Christian Academy making the trip to Whidbey on hump day.
While the Wolves came up short on the scoreboard against their private school rivals, it wasn’t for lack of effort.
Coupeville coaches came away impressed with the never-say-die mentality of their hoops stars.
“I really love just the amount of joy and pride the boys have given us coaches so far this season!” said RayLynn Ratcliff.
“It’s a short season and we worked hard to develop fundamentals early on so we could see them continue to grow, develop and challenge themselves through this season!”
With their next four games on the road, starting with a trek to Granite Falls Nov. 25, the Wolves will continue to get a chance to grow and expand their skill sets.
Having opened with three straight at home, CMS doesn’t play in its own gym again until the season finale Dec. 16 against next-door neighbor South Whidbey.
By the time they get there, the Wolves will have put in the work.
“They work hard but more importantly they have a lot of fun doing it!” Ratcliff said.
“We are making them fall in love with the game and the hard work and dedication it takes to be successful!”
Cyrus Sparacio slices ‘n dices the defense.
A breakdown of the last two days:
Level 1:
Coupeville’s top squad had the closest game, battling Northshore Christian to the end in a 52-45 loss.
That came on the heels of a 55-22 defeat to high-flying King’s in a game in which the Wolves hung tough, keeping the margin to single digits before the big bucks boys kicked it into gear.
Diesel Eck and Calvin Kappes paced the Wolves Wednesday with 13 and 10 points, respectively, while Chayse Van Velkinburgh rattled the rim for a team-high nine against King’s.
Between the two games Eck popped for 17, while Van Velkinburgh (15), Calvin Kappes (13) Kamden Ratcliff (11), Jonathan Kappes (9), and River Simpson (2) also scored.
Xander Beaman, Trenton Thule, and Trey Stewart also saw floor time for the Wolves.
Level 2:
Two games, two strong efforts, as the Wolves battled hard in 31-13 (King’s) and 37-15 (NSC) losses.
Cyrus Sparacio tickled the twines for 11 points across the two games, with Gracen Joiner (8), Colton Ashby (7), and Aiden Wheat (2) also hitting the bottom of the bucket.
Xander Flowers, Jacob Lujan, Mario Martinez, Jonah Meek, Darius Stewart, and Cole Van Dyke rounded out the active roster for CMS.
Level 3:
Coupeville’s third squad, which won its opener against Sultan, only played once, as Northshore Christian doesn’t have a #3 unit.
The young Wolves lost 39-14 to King’s, with Les Queen accounting for all of his team’s points.
The sweet-shooting CMS hardwood ace upped his scoring as the game played out, dropping in 10 of his 14 in the second half.
Joining him on the floor were Jack Bailey, Braxton Beshear, Talon Gamble, Henry Jackson, Carson Marley, Oliver Miller, Kion Tellery, and Liam Stoner.
Big gym, big hoop dreams.
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Coupeville Sports 