Although the Coupeville boys basketball team lost 70-28 to visiting Granite Falls Thursday, Jan. 5, it is beginning to plug some of the holes in its dike.

The young Wolves’ offensive execution of its sets and defensive fundaments have improved from the beginning of the season, now it’s a matter of “consistency,” according to coach Anthony Smith.

The loss to the Tigers followed a similar pattern for Coupeville. The last few games the Wolves have played well early but struggled in the second period.

Smith suspects the second quarter slip has to do with fatigue. He plays a six-man rotation while the other teams put in a handful of “fresh bodies.”

Smith said, “Overall, I was happy with our effort; we just need to be more consistent — but that will come.”

Granite Falls (3-2, 6-5) led by only two, 8-6, midway through the first quarter and then went on a 12-2 run that helped establish a 22-10 lead at the quarter.

The Tigers led 41-15 after two quarters and 60-19 after three.

Poor shooting and turnovers continue to hurt Coupeville. Smith said, “We must have shot 17, 18, maybe 20 percent.”

Coupeville was led by Nick Streubel (who sat much of the game in foul trouble) and Taylor Ebersole with six each. Aaron Curtin and Gavin O’Keefe scored four; and  Drew Chan, Mitch Pelroy, Carson Risner and Caleb Valko had two.

Shawn Madigan scored 27 points for Granite Falls.

The Wolves (0-5, 0-9) play at Sultan (3-2, 5-6) Monday, Jan. 9, at 7 p.m.