Volleyball is done, and Madison McMillan is off to play basketball. (Jackie Saia photo)
It’s all about the changes, as David Bowie would remind us.
As the Coupeville High School girls’ varsity basketball team prepares to take the floor Monday night for its opener in Mount Baker, things are different from a year ago.
For one thing, head coach Megan Richter, heading into her third season at the helm of a program she once starred for, is a new mom.
Daughter Adeline is still a few years away from burning down the nets like mom did, however, so, for now, Richter will look to a rock-solid group of juniors to carry a lot of the load.
With some help from the seniors and sophomores, that group needs to replace five now-graduated players who accounted for 78% of last season’s scoring.
While sure to miss her former players, Richter likes the group she has in place.
“We have a solid core group of kids returning this year to fill the shoes of the five seniors that left us last year,” she said.
“We, as coaches, have challenged and pushed these kids to step into roles they haven’t had to play before,” Richter added.
“With five open starting positions open for the taking, these girls stepped into the roles like they were made for them.”
Katie Marti points to the spot on the hardwood where she’s gonna plant your fanny. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)
The junior class is comprised of Mia Farris, Lyla Stuurmans, Jada Heaton, Katie Marti, and Madison McMillan, with Stuurmans the leading returning scorer.
Joining them will be seniors Skylar Parker, Reese Wilkinson, Desi Ramirez, and Kayla Arnold, with the latter three making their varsity debut.
Sophomores Brynn Parker and Teagan Calkins and senior Bryley Gilbert are also expected to see floor time.
Overall, it’s a group which has had success in other sports, with the juniors and Calkins part of a Wolf volleyball team which went to the state tourney this fall.
“This group has really taken on a leadership role and have been team focused,” Richter said.
“We changed our team rules this year to simple and to the point rules that help sharpen our focus on what really matters: protect our team, protect our hoop.”
The next generation of CHS stars is already in place as well, with “a hardworking group of freshman JV players that will be big for us in the future.”
Following in the footsteps of Stuurmans, who made her debut while still in middle school, seven current 8th graders are also making the jump to play with the high school program.
As the Wolves prepare for Northwest 2B/1B League play, a couple of teams stand out as potential heavyweights, though Richter cautions her team not to look past any foe.
“If you ask any of the girls, the goal is always to get to state and to take that league title from La Conner,” Richter said.
“Right now, our biggest roadblock will be Mount Vernon Christian,” she added. “They are going to be a force this season. We just have to play our game and come prepared.
“However, we can’t overlook anyone and will make sure that we work hard, play hard, and hopefully come out on top!”
To get to where it wants to be — in the playoffs and capable of making a run — Coupeville is working hard on intangibles such as defense and team unity.
“My number one goal is to be better than we were yesterday and to have fun on the court,” Richter said. “Basketball is a challenging sport but so rewarding at the same time!
“We are very defensive focused this year, so capitalizing on those turnovers we are going to create is a high priority of ours as well!
“The team’s chemistry on and off the court will be a big strength for us this year. Being able to trust one another and know that they will have each other’s back is something that we pride ourselves on.”
Offense sells tickets, but success starts with stellar play on the other end of the floor.
“Defensively we will be quick and aggressive and that will frazzle a lot of teams and force turnovers,” Richter said.
“We have a high energy team that works hard and wants to get better every day. That’s going to bode well for us!”
Teagan Calkins is ready to rock. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)
The young Wolves are being guided by a coach who still sits #4 on the all-time CHS girls’ basketball scoring list.
But while she had a ton of personal success thanks to hard work, Richter realizes each of her players brings something different to the group and wants to help each of them find their personal groove.
“The mental game of basketball is always something that we will constantly work on,” she said. “Making sure that we don’t underestimate our opponents or ourselves.
“Because this group is still learning to play in those main roles, they will have to be able to be okay with making mistakes and have a quick turn around when they do happen.
“We work weekly in the classroom on the mental game and how to deal with it. It helps provide tools for the girls and a safe place to let loose some steam that may be blocking their way to the next step.”
Win or lose, Richter and the Wolves will add another chapter to the story of a CHS girls’ program which will celebrate its 50th anniversary Dec. 16 during a home game with South Whidbey.
Giving her players an opportunity to craft memories for life is a big part of the job.
“It’s going to be a fun season!” Richter said. “Lots of building, learning, and adjusting by both the players and coaches, but a fun season nevertheless.”
Coupeville Sports 