The #8 ranked Class 5A Wildcats’ basketball team fell way behind #14 ranked Class 6A Wylie and was never able to catch up in a 54-41 loss in a Gold Bracket semifinal game in the Forney ISD Winter Classic at North Forney High School Friday (December 7). The Pirates jumped out to a 16-1 lead against the Wildcats. Wildcats Coach Clark Cipoletta said the Wildcats dug ourselves into a big hole early with a lot of turnovers. He said they also gave up a ton of second chance points. He added he was proud of the way the Wildcats battled back and stayed together as a team. Coach Cipoletta called the loss a great learning opportunity for the Wildcats. After the huge early deficit, the Wildcats were able to cut into the lead some trailing after one quarter, 16-8. The Pirates increased their lead at the half to 32-15. The Wildcats actually outscored Wylie during the final two periods, 26-22. At one point in the fourth quarter, the Wildcats got as close as 11 points. Keaston Willis led the Wildcats with 19 points and he had 2 three-point baskets. Sadaidriene Day Day Hall had 10 points. Xavier Cork scored 5 points. Jeremiah Roland added 4 points and Duece Berry hit a three-point basket for 3 points. The Wildcats play for third place in the Gold Bracket against Lake Highlands Saturday at 5 p.m. at Forney High School. The Wildcats season record is now 10-3.
