Had the 15-foot tall (20-foot tall with the top hat) inflatable snowman that athletic director Rich Kern placed in the southwest corner of the gym somehow come to life like Frosty, maybe it could have helped the Clipper varsity girls in their game against Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial.
But as it was, the Knights, who swept the Valley Conference last season but are joining a new conference next year, melted the Clippers in a 65-18 drubbing.
Ava Hahn scored on a layup for the game’s first basket. The Knights posted the next six points, but Mariah McCabe scored inside, Greta Hahn drove the length of the court for a layup, and McCabe put in two foul shots for an 8-8 tie.
But from there, the Knights stole and scored from behind the arc and never looked back. They were in front 34-12 at the half.
“Out of their 34 points, 24 we gave to them on offensive rebounds or turnovers, 16 turnovers and 15 offensive rebounds,” said head coach Joe Remiger. “Until we get tough, we’re going to struggle.”
Greta Hahn led the effort with six points including the Clipper’s only three. Ava Hahn had three points. McCabe had four points. Delaney Thompson and Keira Schipper each had two points off the bench. Taylor McCabe, also off the bench, had one point.
The Clippers made half of their nine foul shots. The Knights, who will not face the Clippers again this season, put in five threes and were eight of 14 from the foul line.
The varsity girls travel to St. Clair tonight (Tuesday).
Above: Greta Hahn takes the ball down court in the second half.
Ava Hahn dribbles through a pair of Knight defenders.
Mollie Bowman drives under pressure. The 5-10 sophomore has been having a solid year so far, but in the second half, she left the court with an ankle injury.
Mariah McCabe coils for a basket.
Taylor McCabe guides the ball to the hoop.