The Greencastle girls' varsity basketball got a taste of redemption Tuesday at Cloverdale

The Greencastle girls' varsity basketball got a taste of redemption Tuesday at Cloverdale.

After losing to Cloverdale 40-35 in their opening game of the season, the Tiger Cubs showed the signs of an improved team, defeating the Clovers, 44-27.

"We're much improved," Greencastle Coach Glenn Hile said. "And we didn't show it in the first half. Both teams, I don't know where either one of us were, but neither one of us played well."

Greencastle and Cloverdale only scored a combined 23 points in the first half, with the Tiger Cubs taking a 13-10 lead into halftime.

Defense was controlling the pace of the game as Cloverdale's backcourt pressure was creating problems for the Tiger Cubs' guards, while Greencastle center Kyrian Marshall was controlling the interior, creating havoc for the Clovers' frontcourt.

"Really, Kyrian was a big force inside for them," Cloverdale Coach Bruce Cook said. "I think she altered the game for them."

The Tiger Cubs came out in the third quarter, going on a 4-0 run, taking a 17-10 lead when Cassie Alspaugh connected with Stefanie Masten for a bank shot.

The Clovers responded with Ashley Koosman hitting Kristen Schroer off an inbound for two points with 3:41 remaining, making the score 17-12.

However, the Clovers never got closer throughout the remainder of the contest.

Greencastle outscored Cloverdale, 10-5, in the third quarter and, 19-12, in the final period.

"The girls, finally in the fourth quarter, got into the flow of the game," Hile said. "We finally got our heads up and got the ball pushed out. We got our layups."

Stefanie Masten led the Tiger Cubs with 17 points and seven rebounds, while Marshall had seven points, 12 rebounds and eight blocks.

"Anytime we do make a mistake, she makes up for it by swatting the ball," Hile said of Marshall. "And most of the time, she can swat it without fouling. She's invaluable to us on defense."

Heather Moon led the Clovers with 10 points, while Chelsie Haltom added six points off two three point field goals.

"I just didn't think we found the seam," Cook said. "They played that 3-2 zone, which we've seen a lot. But we played from the free throw line out."

Cloverdale falls to 7-9 on the season, and plays at North Putnam Friday at 6 p.m. The Cougars are 3-11 on the season, but Cook isn't taking them lightly.

"I think we have players that haven't learned that if you want something, you have to go and out and get it," he said.

Greencastle improves to 7-10 on the season, and host Cascade Friday at 6 p.m. The Cadets are 7-8 on the season, but Hile knows they will be a challenge.

"It will be interesting," he said. "Their press is going to be a lot more physical, and they're quicker than Cloverdale."

At Cloverdale

Greencastle 8 5 10 19 -- 44

Cloverdale 8 2 5 12 -- 27

Greencastle -- Fisher 2 0-1 4, Masten 6 3-6 17, Robertson 1 0-1 2, Alspaugh 2 1-4 5, Marshall 3 1-2 7, Miller 1 0-0 2, Weatherford 2 3-4 7. Totals FG 17, FT 8-18, TP 44.

Cloverdale -- Haltom 2 0-0 6, Puffer 0 0-0 0, Monnett 1 2-2 4, Koosman 1 3-4 5, Moon 3 4-8 10, Schroer 1 0-0 2, Arnold 0 0-0 0. Totals FG 8, FT 9-14, TP 27.

3 pt. -- Greencastle 2 (Masten 2), Cloverdale 2 (Haltom 2), Rebounds -- Greencastle 32 (Marshall 12), Cloverdale 28 (Monnett 8), Assists -- Greencastle 11 (Fisher 3), Cloverdale 4 (Monnett 2), Blocks -- Greencastle 8 (Marshall 8), Cloverdale 2 (Arnold 2).

Next games -- Cloverdale plays at North Putnam Friday at 6 p.m., while Greencastle hosts Cascade Friday at 6 p.m.