Make mistakes against a good team and it will cost you.

The Coupeville High School girls basketball team found that out in a 63-31 loss at La Conner Friday, Jan. 2.

The Wolves had five more turnovers than points in the first half as the undefeated Braves raced to a 37-13 lead at the break.

The teams were tied at 6 midway through the first period, then La Conner’s press started to take its toll on Coupeville. The eighth-ranked Braves finished the period on a 10-0 run and continued to roll in the second quarter, outscoring Coupeville 21-7.

“LaConner had a press on us,” coach David King said, “and we let it bother us even though it was a soft press. If we had run our press break we would have, should have gotten layups. Once we got down, we rushed everything and turned the ball over.”

While the Wolves were committing 18 turnovers in the first half, the Braves had only three.

“We can’t continue this trend moving forward,” King said. “If we do, we will see the same results like we did in this game.”

Coupeville was “stronger and aggressive on defense” in the second half but wasn’t “crisp on offense” King said.

The Braves (9-0) led 51-20 heading into the final period.

The fourth period was “our best,” King said, as the Wolves moved the ball effectively on offense and toughened up their defense.

One bright note, Coupeville outrebounded the Braves 29-28 with Makana Stone grabbing 11 boards.

Stone also led the Wolves in scoring with 13 points. Kacie Kiel had six, Hailey Hammer four, Julia Myers four, Monica Vidoni three and Bailey McKenzie one.

Adiya Jones scored 20 points for La Conner, and Katie Novak and Anna Cook had 12 each.

Coupeville’s Madeline Strasburg, who missed seven games because of an injury, was re-injured and sat much of the game.

Wynter Thorne also tweaked a knee in the fourth quarter and finished the game on the bench.

King said the team discussed its complacency after the game and the need to “push each other to get better” during practice.

“Monday we will come in focused and get ready for Port Townsend,” King said.

The Wolves (1-0, 6-4) play their second league game when they host the Redhawks (0-1, 0-8) at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6.