Wildcats Basketball Coach Clark Cipoletta said the prestigious Whataburger Tournament (held December 27-29) was really good for the Wildcats this past weekend. He said it was fun for the players and a cool atmosphere for the coaching staff. He said they received top notch treatment and he said the tournament almost felt like the state tournament. The Wildcats, ranked #8 in Class 5A, won one and lost two in the tournament.
Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats defeated a very good Katy Morton Ranch team, ranked #18 in Class 6A. He said the Wildcats played some of the best defense they have played this season and he added the Wildcats looked good on both sides of the ball.
Next the Wildcats lost to Duncanville, ranked #22 in Class 6A. Duncanville ended up winning the tournament. A bad second quarter cost the Wildcats against the Panthers. The Wildcats were held to just 4 points. Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats played lights out for the three quarters and were competitive. He said overall he was pleased with that game.
The Wildcats also lost to Little Rock Arkansas Parkview Saturday morning. Coach Cipoletta said Parkview, ranked #2 in their class in Arkansas, had two very legitimate players one going to Auburn and another to Abilene Christian. He said the Wildcats focus and effort was not where it needed to be to win the game. He felt the Wildcats should have won but let the game slip away late.
The Wildcats are 13-8 for the season. The Wildcats play host to Princeton Friday night in the main Sulphur Springs Gym. Then the Wildcats will open district play at home against Greenville on January 11.