The Coupeville High School boys basketball team jumped off to a good start and finished strong in a 69-40 win at Orcas Island Friday, Dec. 19.

The Wolves raced to a 21-9 first-quarter lead and led 38-25 at the break.

The third quarter has been a problem period for Coupeville this year, but not this time. The Wolves upped their cushion to 55-36 heading into the final quarter, where they outscored the host club 14-4.

“We played well from the beginning,” coach Anthony Smith said. “We had a good third quarter and put them away early in the fourth.”

Smith noted that the margin of victory could have been wider, but the final few minutes were played with a running clock because Coupeville had a ferry to catch.

The Wolves’ defense gave Orcas Island fits, Smith said.

“We frustrated them into a lot of turnovers,” he said. “We really got after it. We have been working on different defenses; that is our staple. We came out in the second half with a press and got good results.”

The win helped overcome some of the negative vibes from a slow start, Smith said. Coupeville entered the game with a 1-5 record.

“It was a good win,” he said. “Winning cures a lot of things.”

Wiley Hesselgrave sat most of the second and third quarters with four fouls but still led Coupeville with 17 points; he also had six rebounds and four steals.

Aaron Trumbull had 16 points, two rebounds and two steals. Ryan Griggs added 12 points, three rebounds and two blocks.

Risen Johnson recorded a strong all-around game with five points, four rebounds, four steals and five assists.

Aaron Curtin had four points and six rebounds, while Joel Walstad finished with four points and three rebounds.

C.J. Smith scored six points, Matt Shank three and Gabe Wynn one.

Not only did the boys varsity win, but Coupeville swept the day with wins from the boys junior varsity team and both girls teams.

“It was a party bus on the way home,” Smith said.

Coupeville travels to Concrete at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30.