A slow start sunk the Coupeville High School boys basketball team in its 60-35 loss at Archbishop Thomas Murphy Friday, Dec. 10, in the league opener.

Coupeville sank just one bucket and committed eight turnovers in the first quarter as the Wildcats raced to a 15-2 lead.

The Wolves’ shooting didn’t improve much as the game progressed — they shot just 22 percent for the game — as they battled to get back in the game.

Coupeville coach Randy King said, “We got good shots, we just couldn’t put the ball in the hole.”

The Wildcats (1-0, 2-1) upped the lead to 25-9 at the break.

The Wolves got as close as 11 in the second half but couldn’t complete the comeback.

King was pleased with his team’s performance after the opening period: “We played well the last three quarters. It helped get our confidence up leading into Saturday’s game. We are coming along.”

Tyler King, who hit three three-pointers, led Coupeville with 13 points. Ben Hayes scored eight, Mitch Pelroy five, Nevin Miranda four, Dalton Engle three and Ian Smith two.

The Wolves (0-1, 0-2) play Cedarcrest (1-0, 3-1) in their home opener Tuesday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m.