Snow days hinder the Tigercats

After being snowed out of the Friday game against Colton, the Tigercats played in the second league match-up against the Pomeroy Pirates. The Tigercats once again faced defeat with a final score of 42-57, resembling the Tigercats lost to Pomeroy earlier in the season by nine points.

“We had a seven point lead at halftime, but a week of not being in the gym caught up to us,” said head coach Mike Jones. “The first half, the kids play hard and played well, they pressed really well too. The second half we looked tired and stepped slow, we just didn’t execute and couldn’t get shots to fall.”

Jed Zimmer led the team in scoring with 16 points. Jake Aune and Justin Wargo each scored six points in the game. Darcy Stamper shot for five points while Austin Summers and Alec Fleming scored three points each.

Matt Stubbs scored two points in the game and Sam Harder rounded out the final score by making one free throw.

The Pirates played a full court press against the Tigercats during the first half, but the Tigercats managed to break down the defense. At the end of the half and during the second half, the Pirates dropped back to a half court press, causing more issues for the Tigercats.

“They adjusted to a half court press, to take away the middle, and we kept making adjustments. We still had good shots but everything was short and they seemed to be a half step faster,” said Jones.

At the beginning of the second half, the Pirates hit continuous outside shots to give them a one-point lead over the Tigercats. The Tigercats took a timeout and made adjustments, creating the opportunity for good shots, but could not get the ball in the net.

“We played well defensively, doing the same thing in the first and second half. But at the end, we were playing well but had to start taking chances. Because of that, they had some of their last points on run offs, because of our traps or going after the ball, just little things,” said Jones.

“It’s hard being out of school for three days, and then going on the road, it’s difficult. But no excuses, we just need to be ready for the next game,” said Jones.

The rescheduled game against Colton is Jan. 25 in LaCrosse, and Colton is the number one team in the county. The Colton team has height and the Tigercats intend to focus on rebounding and limiting the chance of shots.

The Tigercats then face Touchet on Friday, Jan. 27 in Washtucna and St. John-Endicott on Saturday, Jan. 28 in LaCrosse.