Not too long after his Wildcats squeezed past Rockwall Heath, 52-51 on two late free throws by Day Day Hall, Wildcats Basketball Coach Clark Cipoletta shared his thoughts on two wins Thursday (December 12) in the Forney ISD Winter Classic. The Wildcats won their pool by defeating Rockwall Heath and Ennis, 80-55. Coach Cipoletta said he was proud of his guys saying they battled the whole day. Still he said the Wildcats did not put together four good quarters in either game. He said one might could find four good quarters by combining both games. Still Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats found ways to win. About the Rockwall Heath game, he said the first two quarters were outstanding and about as good as the Wildcats could play. Of the second half, Coach Cipoletta said that was about as bad as the Wildcats could play. The Wildcats were held to 13 second half points. He gave credit where due to Rockwall Heath for keeping up their relentless pressure and for trying to come back. Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats could not finish plays in the second half. Then Day Day Hall made two free throws with just 1.7 seconds left to play. Some would call it luck that the Wildcats keep finding a way to win very close games down the stretch. Coach Cipoletta said it’s not luck but preparation. He said the Wildcats work a lot on end of game scenarios. He said he was thrilled to see Grayson McClure set a new school record with 10 three point baskets against Ennis. Coach Cipoletta said McClure has worked so hard it’s great to see it pay off for him. After the game, McClure texted Keason Willis who previously held the team record with 8 three-pointers. He asked Willis if he would believe that his record had been surpassed. Willis said he was not surprised since all McClure could do was shoot. The Wildcats play Wylie Friday at 6 p.m. in the Forney High School Gym in the tournament’s Gold Bracket. Wylie beat the Wildcats, 54-41 last year. Coach Cipoletta is hoping the Wildcats again find a way to win this year.
