The Wildcats’ basketball team led 17-16 at the half of their bi-district game with Lovejoy Tuesday night at Paris and Wildcats Coach Clark Cipoletta did not like what he was seeing. After the game, he admitted he tore into his team during the halftime break. Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats displayed no grit during the first half. He felt Lovejoy wanted it more than the Wildcats during the first two quarters.
Coach Cipoletta was especially unhappy to see his taller team getting out rebounded. He said his team responded well to his criticism and he added he was proud of them. Coach Cipoletta said the Leopards attempted to take away post Victor Iwuakor and the Wildcats’ inside presence. He said Wildcats’ shooters did a good good of knocking down shots in the second half. Coach Cipoletta said the team did not find those shooters in the first half but they did after halftime. He was pleased his team held Lovejoy to less than 10 points during three quarters of the game. Coach Cipoletta said the Lovejoy coaching staff did a good job early of executing their strategy to slow down the game. He said the Wildcats points per possession in the first two quarters was as low as it has been this season.
Frisco Lone Star is next for the Wildcats. The Area game will take place at Princeton Friday at 7 p.m. Coach Cipoletta said he does not expect any delay tactics from the Rangers. He called them good, big and athletic. The game will be broadcast on KSST and the video replay will follow on Suddenlink Cable Channel 18.
