Alliance Bank in Sulphur Springs

Game Day: Wildcats, Lady Cats Face Tigers in District Showdown

Coach Chapman on Big Showdown With Mt. Pleasant

Lady Cats Basketball Coach Jeff Chapman went to see if the first place Lady Cats would get some help from Texas High, who was playing at second place Mt. Pleasant last Friday night. The Lady Cats had a bye Friday. Mt. Pleasant won setting up a battle between the district’s top two teams. Coach Chapman said it was good that the Lady Cats didn’t have to depend on anyone to knock off Mt. Pleasant. The Lady Tigers only loss was by two points at home to the Lady Cats last month. Coach Chapman said a tough game against Mt. Pleasant would help prepare the Lady Cats for playoff games. He said potential playoff opponents were North Forney or Lovejoy. Coach Chapman said his team was ready for the Mt. Pleasant rematch. He said his team had played real good defense in recent wins over Pine Tree and Texas High. Concerning Mt. Pleasant, Coach Chapman said he was impressed with Sakaria Grant and Shakyra Hutchings. Mt. Pleasant is coached by former Lady Cat Coach Tina Carrillo, in her first year at Mt. Pleasant. She likes to use a run and jump press and make team’s turn the ball over. Coach Chapman indicated handling the press would be a big key to the game. The Lady Cats come in 11-0 in district play and Coach Chapman said he wants his team to finish their job in district play.

Cipoletta on Mt. Pleasant Rematch

Wildcats Basketball Coach Clark Cipoletta said Friday night’s bye for the Wildcats came at a good time. Some of his players have been battling the flu and are dealing with nagging injuries. He admitted to being a little under the weather himself. Coach Cipoletta said he is also glad his team has another shot at Mt. Pleasant. The Tigers won in Wildcats Gym, 51-39 back on January 13. Having watched tape of the first game, Coach Cipoletta said his Wildcats didn’t play all that poorly. He said they got the shots they wanted but just didn’t hit them. Coach Cipoletta liked the Wildcats defense as they held the high scoring Tigers to less than 60 points. He said his team enters the rematch with confidence. Coach Cipoletta said the first loss was actually beneficial because it revealed some things the Wildcats needed to do better. The first time the Wildcats had to play without senior spark plug Dane Rutherford. He’ll be available Tuesday night. Coach Cipoletta said the game should feature a battle of big men, the Wildcats Victor Iwuakor and the Tigers James Moore. The Wildcats are 8-1 in district play, just one game behind the Tigers.

Author: Staff Reporter

Share This Post On