Although they play in the secondary games, often in the middle school gym in front of a smattering of fans, they are an important part of Coupeville High School varsity basketball – the future.

The members of the Wolves’ junior varsity squads are honing their skills, working to one day be the featured pieces of the school’s basketball programs.

Goals for sub-varsity teams go beyond the results on the scoreboard.

“The purpose of our JV is to build skills and push our varsity team and, especially this year, prepare for next year when our varsity will be leaving six openings with our outgoing senior class,” coach Amy King said. “It is very important for the JV to learn the game better and fine-tune their skill sets.”

King hopes to win 50 percent of the games each year, but adjusts that total depending on the Wolves’ talent and the experience of their opponents.

“Winning isn’t everything, but it sure helps validate what they are doing,” she said.

This season is going well and “above my expectations,” King said.

“They work hard, support each other as a team and never give up,” she said. “We won an overtime game with only six players, and, to me, that shows the heart they have. Their legs were jello, they were mentally drained and they pushed through and dug deep to bring out that win.”

One of King’s goals is for each player to score: “To me, the feeling of scoring in a game sometimes means everything to a player.”

Seeing a player accomplish something for the first time and seeing growth by players and the team bring pleasure to King.

“The first basket, the first free throw made, seeing a give-and-go actually happen after practicing it day after day” are examples of enjoyable moments, King said.

She added, “Just seeing the team work together in help defense, the older girls talking the younger girls through their positioning during the game and seeing them smile and have fun — those are the things that make me smile.”

On the boys side, coach Dustin VanVelkinburgh is also excited about this year’s group.

“It’s nice to have enough depth at the varsity level that we can keep the young players on the JV,” he said. “It’s nice we don’t have to throw them into the fire.”

VanVelkinburgh said winning is important, but individual improvement is the key.”

“If I can provide coach (Anthony) Smith with future players, that is important,” he added. “I need to instill the ideologies that coach Smith wants.”

Among those ideologies are the coaches’ expectations on and off the court.

“We want them to learn life lessons as well as basketball,” VanVelkinburg said, “and be good men, not just basketball players.”

The season, so far, has gone well, VanVelkinburgh said.

“We have a positive, upbeat atmosphere right now, and they (the junior varsity players) want to put their stamp on the program.”

Being the junior varsity coach, VanVelkinburg gets the opportunity to watch kids grow and to “see the light bulb go on.”

It’s a joy, he said, to see “a kid do something he doesn’t think he is capable of.”

Here’s what the coaches had to say about their troops:

First the girls…

Freshman Brisa Herrera: “She listens intently, adjusts where she plays under direction of her teammates and has gotten rebounds in each game we have played. She has a nice shot and just needs the chance to show it.”

Freshman Allison Wenzel: “So far I think she has shown the most improvement this season. She listens, asks questions and works so hard.”

Freshman Kyla Briscoe: “She has very dynamic skills and we are working on her confidence. She is quick and strong on defense. She has been stepping up and helping with the point guard position in an effort to give our main point guard a break.”

Freshman Lauren Rose: “She is a solid player, excellent ball-handler and a nice outside shot. I’m looking forward to seeing her in action.”

Sophomore Skyler Lawrence: “She does a great job on defense and has a killer shot from all areas of the floor. She normally plays down low and is very strong with her rebounds and put-backs.”

Sophomore Lauren Grove: “Lauren does a good job of getting the plays set up and helping move her teammates into position so we can run offenses. She is extremely quick and, with that, an excellent defender.”

Sophomore Tiffany Briscoe: “She is so good at defense – help defense – directing her teammates on the floor, letting them know about cutters and to watch for screens. She dives in for rebounds and has started looking to score off of those rebounds.”

Sophomore Kailey Kellner: “I’ve let her know to be ready to play anywhere at anytime. She has done just that. Kailey is our top scorer right now, 15 in one game, 11 in another. She has a great eye for pass anticipation and has no problem stepping in and making those steals then driving the floor for a fast break.”

And the boys…

Freshman Hunter Smith: “Good all-around player. He is going to be a catalyst moving forward.”

Freshman Hunter Downes: “Hard worker and high energy. Does the little things.”

Freshman Nick Etzell: “With a little confidence and time spent in the gym, I think he will be a solid role player in the coming years.”

Freshman Ethan Spark: “Smart, instinctual player.”

Freshman Cameron Toomey Stout: “Game changer on the defensive end.”

Freshman James Vidoni: “Strong rebounder.”

Freshman Ben Olson: “Going to be a solid all-around player.”

Freshman Luke Merriman: “Has the potential to be a great scorer.”

Freshman Joey Lippo: “Might be one of the smartest kids I have ever coached. Expecting good things to follow.”

Sophomore Brian Shank: “Good inside/outside threat. Has become a better rebounder.”

Junior Beauman Davis: “Has improved his game over the last 12 months since his inaugural season.”

Junior Dante Mitchell: “My hope is he blossoms like his older brother between his junior and senior seasons. If so, watch out.”

Junior DeAndre Mitchell: “Often the best athlete in the gym. Can be as good as he wants to be.”

Junior Desmond Bell: “A coach on the floor. Understands his game and plays within himself.”

(Lauren Grove fires a jumper from the corner. Photo by Jim Waller.)