The Sultan High School boys basketball team built a big first-quarter lead on the way to defeating visiting Coupeville 68-40 Monday, Jan. 9.

The Turks (4-2, 6-6) shot out to an 18-4 lead in the opening period and led 37-16 at the break.

The Wolves put in a solid effort after halftime and were only outscored 28-24.

Coach Anthony Smith said his team put in a “good collective effort, especially in the second half.” He added, “We competed a lot more and had less turnovers. We made some progress tonight.”

Freshman guard Taylor Ebersole scored 14 points, while freshman Aaron Curtin added seven, freshman Aaron Trumbull six, senior Mitch Pelroy five, junior Drew Chan three, freshman Carson Risner two and junior Caleb Valko two.

Risner pulled down five rebounds and sophomore Gavin O’Keefe had three assists.

The Wolves begin a string of four home games with Lakewood (2-2, 3-7) Wednesday, Jan. 11, and Cedarcrest (3-3, 7-5) Friday, Jan. 13, at 7 p.m.