Over the years, Paris has been a tough basketball match up for the Wildcats. On Monday night (December 11) before a large crowd, the Wildcats took a dominating win over Paris, 64-41 in Wildcats Gym.
Wildcats Coach Clark Cipoletta said the game represented some of the best team basketball the Wildcats have played this year. He noted the team had more than 25 assists. Coach Cipoletta called it San Antonio Spurs type basketball and he said the unselfish play led to good shot selection. The Wildcats had ten three-point baskets from five different players.
Then there was that trademark Wildcats defense. For the first three quarters, the Wildcats allowed Paris less than ten points a quarter. The Wildcats led 15-6 after one quarter, 31-14 at the half and 46-23 after three quarters. With Wildcats’ reserves playing for most of the fourth quarter, both teams scored 18 points in the quarter and the Wildcats won, 64-41.
The Wildcats were led by Keaston Willis who had 13 points including four three-pointers. Victor Iwuakor was strong inside with 12 points. All thirteen Wildcats played and eleven of them got on the score sheet. Other scorers included Godsgift Ezedinma with 8 points, Michael Jefferson and Bryson Lynn had 6 points each on two three-point baskets, Dedric Godbolt had 5 points, Xavier Cork had 4 points, Jeremiah Roland and Ivan Clayton each had 3 points on a successful three-point shot and Cameron Kahn and Day Day Hall added 2 points apiece.
Taking in the game was a coach from the University of North Texas. The Wildcats, ranked #11 in Class 5A, improved their season record to 14-1. The Wildcats play again Friday at Royse City at 7:30 p.m. It’s the last non-district game for the Wildcats before district play gears up on December 19 as Pine Tree will visit Wildcats Gym at 7:30 p.m.
