Junior High Basketball: Lady Cats Fall To Cranberry, North Clarion (12/14/15)

(By Coach Dave Constantino)

Friday, December 11th

8th Grade Game: Cranberry 19 – Clarion 9

Clarion had a difficult time putting the ball in the basket Friday afternoon (December 11th) in Cranberry and dropped a 19-9 decision to the Lady Berries.

The Lady Cats played a very good defensive game on the road, but just couldn’t overcome their offensive woes. Clarion was down 14-2 at the half and played much better in the second half, but just could not dig themselves out of that big hole they had created in the first half. Kaitlyn Constantino led the way with 5 points, followed by Kyara Girvan and Maria Bradley who each finished with 2 points.

7th Grade Game: Cranberry 15 Clarion 13

In a very exciting and intense game, the Lady Cats’ comeback fell just 2 points short, in the nightcap. Clarion was down 12-8, after three quarters and pulled within 2 points with 23 seconds remaining in the game, but the young Cats could not get the tying basket in the final moments. Ava Cherico led the Cats with 6 points and was followed closely behind by Emily Grabiak’s 4 points. Sarah Clark finished with 2 points and Hannah Hazlett contributed one.

Monday, December 14th

8th Grade Game: North Clarion 37 – Clarion 24

Clarion’s 8th grade team played extremely well, in 37-24 loss to North Clarion, Monday afternoon, in Frills Corners. This was the second time the two teams met. In the first game, back in November, the She-Wolves jumped out to a 16-0 halftime lead and cruised to 27-15 victory. This game was different. The young Lady Cats jumped out to an 8-6 lead, after the opening quarter and were down 21-14 at the half. North Clarion increased their lead to 29-18 heading into the final quarter. The Lady Cats have continued to improve over the last two months and it is quite evident on the court. Plus, Clarion’s 8th grade team is comprised of only two eighth graders and the rest are 7th graders. Kaitlyn Constantino led the Cats with 11 points and did a nice job of running Clarion’s offense from the point guard position. Kyara Girvan, the other 8th grader, followed with 8 points. Ava Cherico pumped in 5 points from the off-guard position. Clarion received great inside rebounding from Kate Murtha and Maria Bradley.

7th Grade Game: North Clarion 17 – Clarion 4

Clarion was never able to find their offensive groove in a 17-4 loss in the second game, of the doubleheader, in North Clarion. The Lady Cats played very good defense, in the game, but weren’t able to generate any offense. Both Sarah Clark and Hannah Hazlett scored two points for Clarion. Hazlett and Alli Stivanson did a nice job of playing low post defense and rebounding throughout the afternoon. Angel Dunkle and Kate Heinen also had a few nice defensive plays from their guard positions.

Clarion hosts Forest Area on Wednesday afternoon for their last home game of the year. Please try to come out Wednesday and support this great group ladies.

(Thanks to Coach Constantino for these recaps.)