First the Coupeville High School boys basketball team picked up the pressure, then it picked up a win.

The Wolves beat host Bellevue Christian 53-50 Saturday, Dec. 5.

Down by as many as 10 in the first half, the Wolves went to a full court press midway through the second quarter, according to coach Anthony Smith. That upped the tempo to a speed more to the Wolves’ liking, and Coupeville raced back into the game.

The Vikings led 14-13 after one quarter and 24-19 at the break.

“Our press frustrated them and created some turnovers,” Smith said. “Once we started playing fast we were able to battle back.”

Coupeville’s quick guards, Risen Johnson and Wiley Hesselgrave, blitzed BC in the second half.

They combined for 14 points in the third quarter and 13 in the fourth to lead the comeback.

Coupeville built a seven-point lead with 1:30 left and then withstood a Viking three-ball and several turnovers to pull out the win.

It was a little shaky at the end, Smith said, but “we found a way to win.”

The Wolves helped themselves by hitting six of nine free throws in the final quarter.

“The more confident we get, the more comfortable we will become handling close games,” Smith said.

Johnson finished with 17 points, nine steals and five assists, while Hesselgrave had 16 points.

Jordan Ford chipped in with five points and 11 rebounds, Deandre Mitchell had five points and four rebounds, Dante Mitchell gathered two points and five boards, Ryan Griggs added three points and four rebounds and Gabe Wynn collected four points.

Bellevue Christian’s Joe Lampkin, a 6-7 post, scored 26 points.

Knowing they would have a difficult time controlling Lampkin, Smith said the Wolves “knuckled down on the other guys.”

Coupeville (1-2) hosts Mount Baker (0-1) at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7.