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Cipoletta, Chapman Talk Basketball

Cipoletta on Mt. Pleasant Win

The Wildcats’ basketball team, ranked #8 in the state, rallied in the second half to defeat Mount Pleasant on the road Friday night, 57-54. The Wildcats trailed at the half, 26-16. Wildcats Coach Clark Cipoletta discussed the two different halves on KSST Radio and Cable Channel 18’s Saturday Morning Coaching Show. Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats struggled early mainly because of 17 turnovers in the first half. He said perhaps his team got a little rattled early because of the big crowd and atmosphere at Mount Pleasant, always a tough place to play. The turnovers were reduced to just four in the second half and the Wildcats’ play improved. Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats calmed down and executed. He said he was proud of his team for handling adversity and getting the big win. Victor Iwuakor led the Wildcats with 17 points and Godsgift Ezedinma scored 13. Coach Cipoletta said the two big guys controlled the boards on offense and defense. He said Bryson Lynn and Iwuakor both scored 8 points in the third quarter and helped fuel the comeback. Coach Cipoletta also gave credit to Dedric Godbolt for getting defensive rebounds and for his defense. He said he also got solid contributions from Day Day Hall and Xavier Cork off the bench. Coach Cipoletta also said Keaston Willis and Michael Jefferson contributed down the stretch. He told his team before the game that sometime during the game Mount Pleasant would figuratively punch the Wildcats in the face. Coach Cipoletta said how the Wildcats respond to that would determine whether they win or lose. The Wildcats are 4-0 in district play and they are 21-3 for the season. They play Greenville at home Tuesday night.

Chapman on Mount Pleasant Win

Lady Cats Basketball Coach Jeff Chapman, on KSST Radio and Cable Channel 18’s Saturday Morning Coaches Show, said the Lady Cats really wanted to beat Mount Pleasant Friday night at home. Coach Chapman knew point guard Sadavia Porter was ready to play. During player introductions before the game, Coach Chapman said Porter gave him such a strong high five, it caused him pain. She also asked Coach Chapman if he was ready for the game and then told him she had been ready for a week. Coach Chapman said Porter had an excellent game with 24 points and 7 assists. He said she did a good job of drawing defenders to her and then passing to teammates. Coach Chapman said when Porter penetrates into the lane she can cause opponents a lot of problems. He said Autumn Tanton did a good job rebounding. She had a team high 11. Coach Chapman said the team works hard in practice to play good defense in games. In the Mount Pleasant win Friday, the Lady Cats only gave up 12 second half points, six points each in the third and fourth quarter. The Lady Cats scored 36. Coach Chapman said the team is also working hard to improve their shooting. The Lady Cats hit 60% of their shots Friday night. Three players, Imani Taylor, Danielle Godbolt and Te’Arria Rose all hit three point baskets. The Lady Cats are 6-0 in district play and are 20-3 for the season. They are ranked #9 in the state in Class 5A. The Lady Cats travel to Greenville Tuesday night as they begin the second half of district play.

Author: Staff Reporter

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