There was a lot for the Wildcats’ basketball team to celebrate Tuesday night. They wrapped up a rare district championship with a 78-45 win over Hallsville. The Wildcats completed district play with an 11-1 record. The Wildcats will play Lovejoy or West Mesquite in a bi-district game next week. Coach Clark Cipoletta said winning district was great but he made it clear he has much bigger plans for this team this year. Concerning the playoffs, Coach Cipoletta quoted the late Coach Jim Valvano, “survive and advance”.
It was senior night Tuesday and the Wildcats recognized Bryson Lynn, Dedric Godbolt, I’vyn Clayton and Iverson Wade. After the game, the Wildcats hoisted the district championship trophy and each player and coach got to be a part of cutting a net down. Coach Cipoletta made the final snips and then got doused by a container of water by his players in the locker room. The Wildcats will be the district’s #1 seed in the playoffs.
Coach Cipoletta said he was extremely proud of his guys for being a part of history as district champs. He said hard work doesn’t always pay off in life, but he said so far it has for these guys. Coach Cipoletta has seen some hard times in the program so he said he was happy for the program to be where it is right now. He said there was no panic when the Wildcats only led by one after one quarter. Coach Cipoletta said he felt once his players settled in they would be okay. That occurred in the second quarter as the Wildcats outscored the Bobcats, 30-8. Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats forced about 20 turnovers in the first half alone. Senior Bryson Lynn led the Wildcats with 15 points and Coach Cipoletta called Lynn a dynamic scorer. He praised senior Dedric Godbolt for helping the team with all the little things he does. Seniors I’vyn Clayton and Iverson Wade both hit 3 point baskets and Coach Cipoletta called those great moments.
