The Wildcats Basketball Team jumped up in the rankings, from #5 to #3 after a week last week that saw them win 5 out of six games. First came the home win against a ranked Paris team at home, 67-61 last Tuesday (December 3) and then the Mansfield ISD Spring Creek Barbeque Classic where the Wildcats won four of five games and finished fifth in the prestigious tourney. Wildcats Coach Clark Cipoletta said it was probably one of the most successful tournaments the Wildcats have had. Their only loss, by 6 points, came to Waxahachie, ranked #12 in Class 6A, and the team that ended up winning the tournament. The Wildcats also collected two wins that either one would make most team’s season. The Wildcats bested Pearland Shadow Creek, ranked #2 in Class 5A, and Killeen Ellison, ranked #6 in Class 6A. Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats took a giant step in the direction they need to go during the tournament. He said he was especially impressed with how well the Wildcats handled pressure. He noted that in the past some teams have been able to disrupt the Wildcats, such as San Antonio Wagner, at the State Tournament last year. Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats have been working on this and the press did not bother the Wildcats. He did notice that the Wildcats came out a little flat in their tournament opener against A&M Consolidated. Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats have gotten away with it for the most part so far this season but he said he knew it would cost them in the future. He said he gave his team a talking to and he said they responded to it during the rest of the tournament games. The Wildcats are now 8-2 for the season. They play at Dallas Woodrow Wilson Tuesday night at 8 p.m.
