The Coupeville boys basketball team put a scare in Meridian before falling 51-41 on the Trojans’ court Monday, Nov. 30, in the season opener.

Meridian, who received votes in the preseason top-10 state 1A poll, used a big third quarter to secure the win.

The Trojans went up 14-13 after one period, then Coupeville used its defensive pressure to cause some turnovers and get out on the break in the second period.

The Wolves outscored Meridian 15-4 in the second quarter and led 28-18 at the break.

The Trojans responded by outscoring Coupeville 22-5 in the third period behind a strong inside attack.

Meridian took advantage of its size and started pounding the ball into the paint in the second half.

That, mixed with a few Coupeville turnovers and cold shooting by the Wolves, enabled the Trojans to erase the halftime deficit and take control of the game, according to Coupeville coach Anthony Smith.

“I think our kids were a little surprised to be up like that (at halftime),” Smith said. “We need to develop a killer instinct.”

In one 10-second span in the third quarter, Meridian produced a five-point swing that pushed the lead to 11 and the Wolves couldn’t recover, Smith said.

“Overall, we played well,” Smith said. “We were right there. Most of our kids saw their first extensive varsity action. It was a big step mentally; we are realizing we can play with the big boys.”

Hunter Smith led the Wolves with 12 points, one more than Wiley Hesselgrave and Risen Johnson. DeAndre Mitchell added three and Ryan Griggs and Gabe Wynn had two each.

Coupeville plays its home opener at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, with South Whidbey.