Clovers finish Wabash Valley Classic on high note

Friday, December 28, 2018

TERRE HAUTE — An 0-2 start to the First Financial Wabash Valley Classic wasn’t what the Cloverdale boys’ basketball team was looking for, but the Clovers hope they found something to build upon in their finale Friday morning at Terre Haute South.

The Clovers (3-8) forced 23 Shakamak turnovers while committing just six of their own on their way to a 62-45 win over the Lakers (1-9).

Senior Jake Wilkes led the Clovers with 24 points on efficient 11-16 shooting.

Having questioned his team’s effort in Wednesday’s loss and their execution on Thursday, coach Patrick Rady saw improvements on both fronts, which showed in the final outcome.

“Not the results we wanted in the First Financial Wabash Valley Classic this year, but we were pleased with the effort and execution against Shakamak,” Rady said. “We made some strides with our full court defense today (Friday). Our rotations were better and we were sprinting back in transition.”

Taking care of the ball made a big difference, as the turnover disparity, coupled with a 9-4 advantage on the offensive glass, led to 19 more field goal attempts for Cloverdale.

Offensively, Wilkes’ effort was followed up by 12 each from Parker Watts and Kyle Thomas.

“We moved the ball well and did a good job of playing against multiple defenses,” Rady said.

Overall, Rady hopes Friday’s effort is a building block as the calendar turns over and teams starting thinking about tournament season.

“We still have a ways to go to be the team we want to be in March, however, today was a step in the right direction,” Rady said. “We want to make sure we don’t take any steps backwards from here out.”

The Clovers return to the court at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 4, when they visit Owen Valley for the second half of a WIC coed doubleheader.

SHAKAMAK (45) — L. Webb 6-15 0-0 14, Stienstra 5-6 2-2 12, Gilbert 2-4 4-4 10, Gould 2-2 0-0 4, Fulford 1-5 2-2 4, Pilant 0-0 1-2 1, Kennett 0-2 0-0 0, Helt 0-1 0-0 0, May 0-0 0-0 0, E. Webb 0-0 0-0 0. Totals: 16-35 FG, 9-10 FT, 45 TP.

CLOVERDALE (62) — Wilkes 11-16 2-3 24, Watts 3-6 4-5 12, Thomas 5-15 0-0, 12, J. Kelley 3-6 0-0 8, N. Kelley 2-7 0-0 6, Helterbrand 0-2 0-0 0, Koosman 0-1 0-0 0, Sims 0-1 0-0 0, Hall 0-1 0-0 0, Ashcraft 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 24-54 FG, 6-8 FT, 62 TP.

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3-point shooting — Shakamak 4-13 (Gilbert 2-3, L. Webb 2-6, Helt 0-1, Fulford 0-3), Cloverdale 8-22 (Watts 2-4, Thomas 2-4, J. Kelley 2-5, N. Kelley 2-5, Helterbrand 0-1, Hall 0-1, Wilkes 0-2). Rebounds — Shakamak 24 (L. Webb 7), Cloverdale 22 (Wilkes 6). Assists — Shakamak 5 (Stienstra 2), Cloverdale 10 (3 tied with 3). Turnovers — Shakamak 23, Cloverdale 6.

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