Lady Trojans move to 7-0 in dominating fashion

While it had been 12 days since their last game, there were no signs of rust Thursday night for the Whitehall High School girls basketball team. The Lady Trojans dominated the first quarter outscoring visiting Twin Bridges 24-5 on their way to a 65-25 victory to move to 7-0 on the season.

Head Coach Kelly Nieskens was impressed with his squad's defense in the opening quarter as well as out of halftime when they outscored the Lady Falcons 21-1 in the third.

"Our runs come with our big defensive stops. If we are able to get stops up front those turn into layups and that's how you get everyone involved," he said.

The dynamite trio of eight grader Jada Clarkson, junior Asha Noyes, and freshman Brynna Wolfe who each ended the night in double figures scoring once again sparked Whitehall. Clarkson had a game high 20, Noyes had 15 points, and Wolfe added 12.

With several key players out due to injury, the Lady Trojans also had several bench players step up with solid performances including Ashlynn Ellison with eight points and Dalaney Scafani with five.

Nieskens said it was nice to have those girls who haven't consistently scored for the team get their feet wet on the varsity level, especially since the team was unable to play a junior varsity game.

Nieskens was also pleased with the way his team responded from a nearly two-week break.

"We had a long time off and now we are back into the grind. This game was a good start especially the way we started and finished.

Britney Walker had three and Meagan Johnson added two points for Whitehall.

The Lady Trojans will next compete Saturday when they host Manhattan at 6 p.m.

Nieskens said it is a big game for the team and he is looking for the same attitude and intensity he saw Thursday night.

Whitehall Boys

In a game that would come down to the final seconds, the Whitehall High School boys basketball team would end up losing a tightly contested 51-47 home game Thursday night against Twin Bridges.

Trailing 49-47 with less than ten seconds left in the game, a Clay Wolfe shot to tie the game fell short.

It was a back and forth game throughout with no team taking larger than a five-point lead. The game was tied at 8 at the end of regulation and 20-20 at half. The Falcons would take a 35-32 lead into the final quarter before the Trojans battled back to take their final lead 45-43 with three minutes left.

Head Coach Zach McLean said his team made some mental mistakes down the stretch and the guards have to take some responsibility and pride in handling the basketball in pressure situations.

McLean added his team was 10 of 22 from the line and if they had hit 65 percent of their free throws they would have won.

"We have got to be able to make free throws," he said.

The Trojans were once again led in scoring by 6'6" standout Clay Wolfe who finished his night with 22 points.

"I thought he played phenomenally," McLean said.

Freshman Brendan Wagner added 12 points, and sophomore Dylan Smith was also in double figures with 10.

McLean said Smith really played way and while he always does a good job defensively, it was really key to have his presence on the offensive end.