One huge quarter lifted the Falcon boys over the island-rival Wolves 67-53 on Tuesday night in Coupeville.

South Whidbey’s boys basketball team won its first game of the year, and it came against the perfect opponent. To make the postseason, South Whidbey had to finish as a top-two team among the league’s three 1A squads, including King’s and Coupeville. Beating Coupeville on its home court put South Whidbey in good position to lock up the second berth in the District 1 playoffs in February.

South Whidbey and Coupeville slugged it out through the first half to a 30-27 Wolves’ lead. Falcon senior Brandon Asay led the way for South Whidbey early, scoring 12 of his game-high 24 points in the first quarter. He also collected a team-high 11 rebounds and blocked two shots.

Then something changed. Out of the halftime break, South Whidbey sprinted out to 22 points. On the other end of the court, the Falcons’ zone defense forced the Wolves out of the paint where they struggled to make shots.

Driving to the basket proved key for South Whidbey. The Falcons took 36 free throws and made 22.

The Falcons got a boost from reserve senior Kale Reichersamer, who made three of four shots and hit three free throws for nine points.