First the offense disappeared, then the season.
The Coupeville High School girls basketball team lost 39-17 to Cascade Christian of Puyallup Thursday, Feb. 16, in a loser-out game of the District 3 1A Tournament at Tacoma’s Bellarmine Prep.
The Wolves ended the season with an impressive 15-6 record; however, in four of the losses they failed to score at least 20 points.
In the loss to Cascade Christian, Coupeville had only one quarter when more than one player scored.
The Cougars led 7-3 after the first quarter, and then essentially put the game away by outscoring Coupeville 15-2 in the second period for a 22-5 lead.
“We got lots of shots off, we just couldn’t hit anything,” coach David King said.
The Wolves’ greatest strength all season has been its defense, but it struggled along with the offense Thursday.
“We just couldn’t stop Cascade Christian and their attack mode,” King said. “They ran their plays just like we had scouted. They were disciplined and executed offensively very well.”
The Wolves played better in the second half, according to King, showing more “heart.” The effort was led by sophomore Kalia Littlejohn.
“All season Kalia has brought energy to our team,” King said. “Early on in the year it was mainly on the defensive end, then her confidence picked up on the offensive end, which was good to see. Playing with confidence is huge at this level.”
Most of the team, however, did play with the same swagger in the tournament, according to King.
“We didn’t play like a team that came to win,” he said. “It felt like we played to survive.”
In spite of the improved play, Coupeville couldn’t cut into the Cougars’ lead and trailed 31-12 going into the last quarter.
Although things didn’t go well, King was pleased his troops “never quit in this game.”
“Despite the play this week, the season has been successful,” King said. “Many fans, opponents and even our own team wondered how we would replace Makana (Stone, a two-time league MVP) and how we would fare this year. The answer to that is to buy into the system, play for team accomplishments, trust yourself and your teammates.”
Kailey Kellner scored 7 points to pace the Wolves. Mia Littlejohn added 5, Tiffany Briscoe 2, Mikayla Elfrank 2 and Lindsey Roberts 1.
Elfrank and Roberts each snared eight rebounds and Briscoe and Kalia Littlejohn collected three steals apiece.
Shelaine Lorenz scored 18 and Haily Brodner 13 for the Cougars.
The game was the last for Coupeville seniors Kellner, Briscoe and Lauren Grove, who King called “three important pieces.”
Seattle Christian defeated Bellevue Christian 36-34 Thursday to win the district title. Cascade Christian plays BC Saturday for second place and a regional berth.
Mikayla Elfrank attacks the baseline Thursday. (Photo by John Fisken)
Kailey Kellner puts up a jumper in Thursday’s district tournament game. (Photo by John Fisken)
Mia Littlejohn shoots a floater during the first quarter. (Photo by John Fisken)
Lindsey Roberts (24) out-jumps Cascade Christian’s Kiriana Shelton on the opening tip. (Photo by John Fisken)
Coupeville’s Tiffany Briscoe gets ready to power to the hoop. (Photo by John Fisken)
Lauren Grove leads a Coupeville fastbreak as Kalia Littlejohn (20) fills a lane. (Photo by John Fisken)
