Coupeville’s boys basketball team put together a solid effort and overcame testy conditions to defeat host Sultan 60-48 Friday, Jan. 15.

Coupeville coach Randy King said, “We did a nice job defensively and offensively. Our kids played really well and we controlled the tempo.”

The game featured more than basketball. Four technical fouls were called, three on Sultan, which was upset with the officiating. At one point, the public address announcer displayed his displeasure by criticizing a call over the PA system. He was asked to leave the gymnasium by the officials and had a face-to-face “discussion” with the referees before being removed. A disrupting Sultan fan was also asked to leave.

King said the tension was between Sultan and the officials, and the crowd did not aim its wrath at Coupeville. King said, “It was really hard to concentrate, and the kids handled it well.”

The Wolves moved in front early, leading at the end of the first quarter 13-7. The Turks never threatened as Coupeville steady pulled away. CHS lead 30-17 at the half and 49-32 going into the final period.

Hunter Hammer had a huge game for the Wolves. He put up 19 points, pulled down 16 rebounds and swatted away five shots. Ian Smith scored 12 points and dished out seven assists. JD Wilcox finished with 11 points, Chad Brookhouse eight, Jason Bagby five and Tyler King five.

Coach King said, “We just played the way we are capable of playing.” He then tossed in one “however.” The Wolves hit only 14 of 40 free throws. King said, free throw shooting has “not been a problem all year,” and he doesn’t expect it to become one.

Struggling Sultan dropped to 1-3 in league play and 2-8 overall.

Coupeville (4-2, 9-3) travels to winless Lakewood (0-4, 0-9) Tuesday, Jan. 19, for a 7 p.m. game.