The Wildcats’ basketball team had a good first showing at their initial scrimmage Saturday at Emory Rains. The Wildcats outscored both Princeton and Royse City. Wildcats Basketball Coach Clark Cipoletta said he was shocked by how much further along the team was at the scrimmage than a couple of weeks ago when they participated in a shootout event.
Coach Cipoletta attributed the progress to after school practices. He said all nine varsity players had good games. He said over the course of two games, just about every member of the team had double digits in scoring. The Wildcats nailed ten three pointers in a scrimmage game against Princeton. Still Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats defense is ahead of the offense at this stage in the season. That’s been a big emphasis and Coach Cipoletta said this year’s defense features putting pressure on the ball and getting out to create turnovers to score quick and easy baskets. Several football players are expected to enhance the varsity unit when their season ends at some point.
Coach Cipoletta said he held a first tryout for freshmen and more than 35 players showed up. He said that compares with about 12 that showed up last year. Coach Cipoletta said he only has four JV players right now but he expects a lot of show up after football obligations. The Wildcats will have their second and final scrimmage Thursday against Royse City and Denison at Royse City. Coach Cipoletta said freshmen, JV and varsity teams will play. He said some of the freshmen would move up to play on the JV for this scrimmage.
