Easing further and further ahead, Martin County West avenged an earlier season loss with a 51-34 win over the host varsity girls Monday.
The Clippers suffered shooting woes throughout the 36 minutes.
“We have been struggling with shots falling the last couple of games,” said head coach Joe Remiger. “In the second half against Loyola they did, but tonight we just couldn’t get them to go down the hole.”
The Mavericks stole and scored for the game’s first basket. Kaylee Karels grabbed a defensive rebound and took it all the way to the other end of the court for the Clipper’s first bucket, but MCW responded with a pair of threes for a 10-2 advantage and never trailed from there.
Sarena Remiger (above) took an Ava Hahn pass inside for a bucket and then plopped in a three. Greta Hahn knocked down a three for the next Clipper score, but the Maverick made six more points to lead 16-8.
From there, Karels drove the baseline for a bucket, Remiger made a trio of freebies and also kicked the ball back out to Ava Hahn, who was waiting behind the arc and dropped in a three. Karels drove through the lane for the final basket of the half, but the Mavericks led 27-19.
Picking up where she left off, Karels took the ball through the lane for the first basket of the second half. She followed up with a jumper, but the Mavericks posted the next six points to go up 33-23.
Remiger put in another three free shots, and Karels hit a three-pointer, but MCW was still up by 10, 41-31 with five and a half minutes remaining. Later, Remiger spun in for a basket and also put in the ensuing foul shot, but that was it for the Clipper offense, and the Mavericks made eight foul shots to hang on to the win.
“We played good defense, but there was nothing going in,” coach Remiger said.
With 15 points, Remiger led all players. Karels had 13 points. Ava and Geta Hahn were limited to three points each.
The Clippers had three three-point baskets and made half of their 14 free throw attempts. MCW also had a trio of threes but made 12 of 14 foul shots.
The Clippers will have a rematch against Nicollet tomorrow (Thursday) in Cleveland. The Clippers lost to the Raiders 67-43 a month ago. Both teams are 8-7 in the Valley.
It will be a night to honor seniors Remiger, Karels, Micah Peterson and Sam Wondra.
Micah Peterson drives to the hoop.
Kaylee Karels eyes the basket.
Greta Hahn on the jumper.
Mariah McCabe faces a roadblock inside.
Ava Hahn on defense.