Stories from Sunday, February 3, 2013

ROACHDALE -- Every team enters the season with a goal in mind, whether it's a win total, an emotional barrier or a postseason accomplishment. But it doesn't always happen that they get to test it, in as literal a way as possible, in the first game of sectional play...

CLOVERDALE -- The Cloverdale girls' basketball team has come a long way the past few years. Now the senior-heavy roster will look to do something it hasn't in the past: reach the sectional final. The bracket makers awarded the Clovers a bye, making the path one game shorter, but to reach the final and continue their quest, they'll have to beat the winner of the South Putnam/Speedway game...

The South Putnam girls' basketball team has been there before. It has six seniors who reached the sectional final last season. But it's a new year, and the Eagles have struggled. They're 6-13, and at times they have looked out of sync. "All year long, when we've lined up to teams, it's been our inside presence that's been to our advantage," SPHS coach Lindsey Blackman said. ...

Greencastle girls' basketball coach Bradley Key thinks he has a good team. He thinks they can compete with anyone. With the way the bracket has been lined up for the Tiger Cubs, he may not be challenged to do that until they reach the sectional final...

Nash Firebaugh, 17, is an accomplished junior at Greencastle High School. He is involved in Latin club in school and says his favorite food is pizza but likes everything. In school his favorite subject is AP Biology and his favorite teacher is Mr. Hankee. ...

CLOVERDALE -- The Cloverdale boys' basketball team notched its second consecutive win after defeating a visiting Turkey Run squad Saturday night 52-46. The win moves the Clovers to 5-12 with three games left in the regular season. After maintaining a lead for most of the game, the Clovers had to fight off a charging Turkey Run squad in the waning minutes to secure the win...