Stephanie Effken

    The Malcolm girls' basketball team came out on top after a 62-42 victory against Lourdes Central Catholic on Feb. 12.
     This subdistrict game put them in the bracket to play Elmwood-Murdock on Feb. 14.
     Coach Scott Amen said the team did nothing less than "face adversity."
     After Lourdes' three straight three's at the top of the first quarter and 12-point lead in the first four minutes of the game, Malcolm was down by one at half-time, 25-24.
     "We didn't panic and controlled ourselves," Amen said. "We put on full-court pressure."
     With five two-pointers and eight of eight free-throws, Anngela Dunbar led the Clippers with 18 points. Morgan Densberger and Payton Everett each added 12.
     "Anngela was challenged before the game," Amen said.
     Amen also said that Dunbar needed to play just as hard Thursday night against Elmwood Murdock.
     On Thursday Amen said, "I feel good about tonight. We're ready, they're vulnerable."
     And ready the Clippers were.
     The Clippers defeated Elmwood Murdock 49-43 taking them to the district finals.
     Amen attributed the win to switching up their defense and and applying more pressure. He said the pressure was the deciding factor of the game.
     Jumping out to an early lead the Clippers were up 16-9 at the end of the first quarter.
     The Knights didn't give up without a fight, being only two points behind the Clippers at half time.
     "The guards were attacking their defense and we did not let them dictate the game," said Amen.
     Another key to the game, Amen said, was that the girls made their shots with a record of 25 for 39 for the game. Densberger led with points at 17 and Dunbar added 13.
     Amen said at this point, it is important to focus on the team.
     "The only reason why the top shooters are at the top is because the team is getting them the ball," Amen said.
    Upcoming action
     The Clippers will play in district finals at Wahoo High School against East Butler, Friday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m.
     "I feel good," Amen said. "But they are a good ball team and have a lot of speed."
     The Clippers lost to East Butler Feb. 9, 72-49.