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Clovers fall to Patriots in home-opener
CLOVERDALE -- Strong free throw shooting and another solid performance from Kristin McCammon were some positive aspects the Clovers took out of their 83-50 loss to Owen Valley Monday night.
The Clovers kept pace with the Patriots early, never letting them jump out to more than a five-point lead.
"In the first quarter, I thought we came out with a lot of intensity," Clover head coach Bruce Cook said. "I thought we really played well. We just did the things we've worked on and I thought we did a nice job of breaking their press in the first quarter."
As the quarter wore on, the Patriots built upon their lead when Kaitlin Sweatman was fouled while shooting. After the free throw, Owen Valley held an 18-17 advantage and scored the quarters final four points to build a five-point advantage. Elizabeth Cheatham scored seven points in the quarter with Kristen Schreyer scoring six and Ashley Kosmas adding four.
The Clovers hit a dry spell in the second quarter, hitting two of nine shots from the floor. They did however convert five of six from the charity stripe to keep the game within reach. Schreyer lead the Clovers in the first half with 10 points.
The patriots extended their lead with a scoring flurry midway through the quarter. Adrian Gillespie scored seven points for Owen Valley with Mack Evans adding six off the bench. The Patriots led 48-30 at the half.
The struggles continued for Cloverdale in the third quarter as they scored eight points while the Patriots recorded 20. Cloverdale got baskets from Chelsea Haltom, Common, Kosmas and Kayla Shepherd. Going into the fourth, Cloverdale trailed 68-38.
In the final period, Owen Valley out shot the Clovers 16-8 to run away with the victory.
McCammon scored 12 of her 17 points, including two three-pointers, in the second half to lead Cloverdale in scoring. Schroer scored 12 and Koosman and Cheatham added seven each.
"Kristin McCammon shot the ball well for us again. This is the first time in three games where she went to the free throw line," Cook commented.
A bright spot for Cloverdale came at the free throw line. The Clovers converted 11-18 from the line.
Illness and lingering injuries contributed to the Clovers outcome Monday night.
"In the end we shot the ball pretty well," Cook acknowledged. "I thought that was a big things for us. We got tired and I think fatigue was a factor. Koosman has been sick since last Thursday, Chelsie Haltom really hasn't come back from her leg problems.
"I think better things will come for us but I was pleased with the way they played," Cook added.
Cloverdale's next game will be against county rival North Putnam in the opening round of the Putnam County Tournament Friday. Looking ahead, Cook envisions the team sticking to its game plan and is also looking forward to one key match up.
"We'll probably press a little bit. It should be a pretty good match-up between (Shawna) Johnston and Elizabeth Cheatham. We'll see what's going to happen there.
We'll still try to exploit the middle," Cook commented.
At Cloverdale
Owen Valley 22 26 20 15 -- 83
Cloverdale 17 13 8 13 -- 51
Owen Valley -- Gillaspy 21, Gonser 20, Sweatman 11, Gonser 8, Evans 8, Matsel 8, Cooper 7. FG 22-71 FT 11-19 TP 83.
Cloverdale -- McCammon 17, Schroer 12, Koosman 7, Cheatham 7, Haltom 5, Shepherd 3. FG 18-46 FT 11-18 TP 51.
3pt. FG -- O.V. 6 (Gillaspy 4, Cooper, Masel), CHS 3 (McCammon 3).
Next game -- The Clovers will face North Putnam in the Putnam County Tournament at 6:30 Friday.