Cipoletta on Wildcats Marshall Win
Wildcats Basketball Coach Clark Cipoletta said Marshall tried to use a slow down strategy against the Wildcats Friday night in Marshall. It seemed to work in the first half as the Wildcats held only a 2 point lead, 28-26, at the break. Coach Cipoletta said the Mavericks also went small during the game utilizing their guards. He said the Wildcats defense in the third and fourth quarter was a key to victory. The Mavs managed only 5 third quarter points and 6 fourth quarter points as the Wildcats began to pull away. Meanwhile six different players scored for the Wildcats. Keaston Willis had 20 points and Victor Iwuakor added 12 points. The Wildcats host Texas High Tuesday night in Wildcats Gym. Coach Cipoletta said many thought Texas High was the preseason favorite to win district due to their athletic guards. He said they have the most athletic front court in the district. The Wildcats won the first game between the two at Texas High, 51-43 in Texarkana on January 6. Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats took an 8 to 10 point lead early and held on to it the entire game. He said expects to be pressed more by the Tigers this time around.
Chapman on 101 Point Night by Lady Cats
Lady Cats Basketball Coach Jeff Chapman wants to make one thing clear: the Lady Cats team scoring over 100 points was nothing he influenced or even talked about. The Lady Cats defeated Marshall, 101-26 in Wildcats Gym Friday night. Coach Chapman does want his team to play well and they did Friday night. They had 50 points after two quarters and 75 after the third quarter. He said none of his past teams has scored 100 points. Coach Chapman said he had no intention of embarrassing the Lady Mavs’ team. He did remember John Tyler scoring more than 80 points on his Lady Cats team in a bi-district game two years ago. Coach Chapman said his team played well and had lots of assists. Tori Moore hit five three-point shots. Sadavia Porter made lots of lay ups on run out fast breaks. The Lady Cats shot 61% from the floor. They had 29 steals and committed only 8 turnovers. The Lady Cats only had 7 personal fouls. Coach Chapman said he did a lot of substituting but he only has seven players. He said he laid off the press in the second half and played a lot of 2-3 zone. The Lady Cats travel to Texas High Tuesday night. Coach Chapman said Texas High can make the Lady Cats play ugly due to their presses. He said they have a game plan for the press and he said his team will need to follow the game plan. The Lady Cats are 10-0 in district play and they are 24-3 for the season with 17 straight wins.
