Greencastle loses first conference game of season

CLAYTON -- Going into Friday night's contest against Cascade the Lady Tiger Cubs knew they were in for a fight, as they took on the class 2A sixth ranked shooting team in the state.

The Tiger Cubs and the Lady Cadets battled back and forth throughout the game, but the Cadets came out on top at the end by a final of 78-67.

The Lady Cadets jumped out to a quick lead but senior Mallory Miller hit a three at the buzzer ending the first quarter to cut the lead to 23-21.

The Cubs outscored the Cadets in the second quarter 22-14 to take a 43-37 lead at halftime. The Cubs shot 61-percent from beyond the arch for 33 points in the half.

"In the first half we were on fire," said Bradley Key, head coach of the Lady Tiger Cubs. "It was a fun half of basketball."

After halftime the Cadets picked up the intensity and outscored Greencastle 41-24.

"We didn't let our shots come to us in the second half," said Bradley. "They are a very good team. We knew coming in that it was going to be a tough game."

Greencastle senior Mallory Miller scored 14 of her 21 points in the first half. The Cadets left a girl trailing Miller throughout the second half, leaving her double teamed every time she attempted a shot.

The next leading scorer for the Cubs was senior Alyssa Nichols with 18 points.

Bradley complimented his team on its mental toughness throughout the game. He was also pleased with some key role players for the Cubs who saw much needed minutes in the game.

"Junior Hannah Wainman had a good first half for us," he said. "Freshman Shelby Earl also played a great game in one of the biggest games of the year."

The Cubs have a quick turnaround as they travel to Turkey Run High School to take on the 15-1 class 1A Warriors.

"Having two tough games back to back will help us get ready for sectionals," said Bradley.

Bradley, who took over the team two years ago, said that his team has come along way in that time.

"We need to continue to climb the ladder though," he said.

At Cascade

Cascade: 23 14 21 20 -- 78

Greencastle: 21 22 15 9 -- 67

Individual Stats

Cascade -- Powell 23, Smith 19, Brandyce Sallee 15, Rivera 12, Brittney Sallee 8. Team stats: 32-60 FG; 9-13 FT; 78 TP.

Greencastle -- Miller 21, Nichols 18, Wainman 16, Samuels 8, Amis 2, Earl 2. Team stats: 24-57 FG; 5-12 FT; 67 TP.