Experience, meet youth. A mix of veteran players combined with a talented freshman have the Malcolm girls’ basketball team off and running. The No. 4 Clippers put up 60 points in each of their opening week games.
Malcolm traveled to Plattsmouth Dec. 1 for the season opener and first game in its new conference. The Clippers jumped out to a 17-5 first quarter lead against their Trailblazer Conference foe and never looked back in the 60-35 rout.
“Plattsmouth is a much better team than they were a year ago,” Malcolm head coach Andy Klepper said. “They have a post player that gave us some trouble and a really solid guard. Overall, I felt pretty good about how we managed the opener.”
Halle Dolliver led all scorers with 18 points. The freshman had a solid performance in her first high school game as she also led her team with ten rebounds and eight steals.
“Halle brings a lot to the table and we’re asking a lot of her,” Klepper said. “At 5-foot-10, she can honestly play every position on the floor. That’s a lot to learn, to know where you have to be for different sets. She’s coming along nicely.”
A pair of seniors – Alyssa Fortik and Diamond Sedlak – complimented Dolliver with a couple of 12-point performances. Sedlak also had six steals while convereting on 8-of-12 free throws.
“We’re a more balanced team this year,” Klepper said. “Some of our players have had an awful lot on their shoulders in previous seasons. The load should be a little lighter for everyone this year.”
The Clippers hosted a former conference rival in their Dec. 3 home opener. After running out to a 19-4 lead in the opening frame, Malcolm cruised to a 60-33 victory over Auburn.
Dolliver led the way with 19 points in her second game while Emma Brown battled for 12 points. The senior had four offensive rebounds and went 4-for-4 at the free throw line.
“It was good to see Emma in their crashing the boards,” Klepper said. “When she’s willing to play physical, we’re a better all-around team.”
Malcolm (2-0) headed to North Bend Tuesday to face the No. 2 Tigers (1-1) who ended the Clippers’ season last year at the state tournament and lost 54-46.
“We’ve had this one circled for a while,” Klepper said. “It won’t be easy. It’s their home opener and they have a lot of talent”
The Clippers return home Saturday night to host Platteview (0-1).
