The Highland girls’ basketball team (3-6, 2-4) struggled to score in a Dec. 22 matchup with Clear Fork (8-2, 5-1) in a 40-20 loss in a non-conference game at MVNU’s Ariel Arena.
The Lady Scots opened the game on top with a 7-6 lead, led by Kate Clements who hit three free throws. However, the Colts woke up and outscored Highland 12-3 in the second quarter to take an 18-10 lead at halftime. Both teams scored six points in the third quarter, but it was all Colts in the fourth with a 16-4 advantage to cruise to a 20 point win.
Clements led the team in scoring with seven points. Aubree Bellamy and Bryleigh Young each had four points. MaKaylee Merckling scored three points and Amarie Morgan and Reagan Maibech each scored a point.
Highland shot only 26% and 20% from three, while making 58% of their free throws. The Colts led 30-20 in rebounds, 6-4 in assists and 13-11 in steals. They shot 33% from the floor and also beyond the arc.
Heading into the holiday break, Coach Matt Bradley said that the team’s effort has been consistent and at a high level in their preparation and game-play, and they have had multiple girls step up each game to fill their roles well. However, scoring points is an area of concern.
“Offensively, we need to get better at scoring the ball more consistently,” said Bradley. “We go through lulls where close games get out of reach. We will be practicing during break - it will be a great chance for us to continue progressing and getting better. We want to be the best we are capable of becoming this year, so we hope to get better each day and be playing our best basketball at the end of the season. The MOAC is once again loaded in girls' basketball. There are no nights off. We are looking forward to continue competing against such high-level teams.”
