After having time to think about the Wildcats’ basketball team’s regional quarterfinal loss to Prosper in triple overtime Tuesday night in Princeton, Wildcats Coach Clark Cipoletta talked with KSST Sports Thursday morning. He said it was just one of those games, a very good game and he said Prosper was a very good team. Coach Cipoletta added the Wildcats played their hearts out. He said you come up short sometimes.
Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats had chances to win but he said it just wasn’t our time. After reviewing the game tape twice, Coach Cipoletta said he wouldn’t have done anything differently. He said as long as you are in a position to win, that’s what you want. Coach Cipoletta said the ball just did not bounce the Wildcats’ way at times and it bounced Prospers’ way. He said that was the difference.
Coach Cipoletta said foul trouble hurt the Wildcats some but he said the next guy up was always ready to step in. He said he was proud of his team and he said he hated that the season ended this soon. Coach Cipoletta said he really wanted his team to take the next step but he added that’s what next season is for. He said the program is making progress and is heading in the right direction.
Coach Cipoletta credited dedicated players who are buying into the coaches’ vision for the program. He said his players are putting a lot of time into basketball because they have their dreams and a passion for the game. Coach Cipoletta acknowledged that he would desperately miss his four seniors next year. Four of his starters Tuesday night will return. He said next year’s team could be special. Coach Cipoletta said lots of young talent is ready to step up. He promised an open competition for varsity spots next year.
Thinking again about this year’s team, Coach Cipoletta talked about their district championship and 30 win season. He said the program is making history and he said he was blessed to be a part of it. How hungry are the players? After the gut wrenching loss Tuesday, Coach Cipoletta said a lot of the players stayed after school Wednesday to work on their shots and their games.
