Leading by a point after a raucous first half, where fouls and turnovers were the name of the game, the varsity Clipper girls couldn’t stop an onslaught of Nicollet offense just after the break and fell in their season opener to the host Raiders 86-72.
While 72 was 10 more points than the Clippers’ highest scoring effort last season, they gave up 56 points in the second half, way too many, said head coach Joe Remiger, and rebounding was the issue.
“We stood around. We’ve been talking about this for two weeks that that was going to be our weakness this year, and it showed up.”
The Hahn sisters (above) cranked it up early with Ava Hahn scoring the first six points for the Clippers, including a basket that came after a Greta Hahn steal and assist. Greta Hahn put in a layup and then assisted her sister for a three-point bucket, and the Clippers were quickly in front 11-3.
Later, Taylor McCabe off the bench followed up a three with a basket from the floor. Addi Holden chipped in a basket, and Mollie Bowman, also off the bench, put in a pair of buckets and made five of six free shots. After Greta Hahn’s pair of made infraction shots, the Clippers were in front 34-33 at the break.
Each team had 14 fouls in the first half. The Clippers might have had a wider lead, but on an identity mix-up, despite a 3-inch height difference, Ava Hahn, who led the Clipper offensive effort with 19 points, took an infraction for her sister and sat with three fouls for six minutes.
But the Raiders scored 14 of the first 15 points of the second half and never looked back. With two twos, two threes and two free baskets, Lacey McCabe was strong down the stretch, but the Raiders never lost control.
Along with Ava Hahn, three other Clippers also had double-digit points. Greta Hahn had 15 points. Lacey McCabe scored a dozen points. Mollie Bowman had 11 points.
Holden contributed seven points. Taylor McCabe had five points. Delaney Thompson had two points. Mariah McCabe put in a free throw.
Lacey McCabe landed a pair of threes. Ava Hahn, Taylor McCabe and Holden each made one three.
The Clippers made 15 of 26 free shots. Nicollet was 19 of 36 from the foul stripe and put in a trio of threes.
The Clippers return to action on Friday when they host Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial. The Knights dumped Alden-Conger/Glenville-Emmons 53-24 in their season opener.
Ava Hahn drives toward the basket
Mariah McCabe reaches for a loose ball.
Mollie Bowman eyes the basket.
Lacey McCabe focuses on the rim.
Greta Hahn drives to the goal.