Altha's leading scorer was Tyler McClellan with 13 points. He also had 2 rebounds and an assist. Kent Rogers pumped in 9 points (including a 3-pointer), grabbed 3 rebounds and was credited with an assist. Jae Fielder scored 3 points, cleared 3 rebounds and he had a steal. Both Caleb Chew and Bobby Simco added a free throw apiece. Chew had a team-leading 4 rebounds and 2 steals.
The varsity led Bethlehem until midway of the fourth quarter.
"We missed a couple of lay-ups and our free throw shooting was off in the fourth quarter," commented Coach Sidney Granger after the game.
Those factors cost Altha (6-9) to lose Round One of the "Battle of the Wildcats," 65-60.
The offensive leader for Altha was Will Rogers who rang up 24 points (including 5 3-pointers and he was 7 of 9 from the charity stripe). Tyler Hamilton put up 14 points, pulled down a team-leading 8 rebounds. Also, he was credited with an assist, a steal and he blocked a shot attempt. Jacob Warner canned 13 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, was the team leader with 4 steals; swatted away 2 shot attempts and had an assist. Anthony Young chalked up 5 points (including a 3-pointer) and he had 2 steals. Ethan Ellis chipped in 4 points and was credited with an assist.
WEWAHITCHKA, JANUARY 26
Trailing 21-10 after three quarters of play, the Junior Varsity Wildcats (5-11) rallied with defensive pressure against the Wewahitchka Gators in the fourth quarter. They outscored Wewa 10-5 but came up short in the final score, 26-20.
Ryan Wood was the Top Cat in scoring with 10 points. He also had 2 rebounds and a steal. Kent Rogers bagged 7 points, led the Wildcats with 6 steals and he had an assist. Jae Fielder chipped in 2 points and pulled down 3 rebounds. Tyler McClellan added a free throw and he was credited with an assist.
Battling a much taller Gators team, the Varsity Wildcats (6-10) were not intimidated. They played toe-to-toe with Wewa but came up short in the end, 65-59.
Tyler Hamilton was the offensive leader with 19 points and 4 rebounds. He also had 2 steals and an assist. Jacob Warner pumped in 17 points (including a 3-pointer). He cleared 2 rebounds and had an assist. Will Rogers played string music with 4 3-pointers for 12 points. led his team with 5 assists, nabbed 2 steals and snagged a rebound.
Ethan Ellis contributed 7 points (including a 3-pointer), hauled down 3 rebounds and had an assist. Carl Mantecon and Terry Wyllie each added 2 points. Mantecon pulled down 3 rebounds.
Altha traveled to Bethlehem last night (Tuesday) for "The Battle of the Wildcats: Round Two" (check out next week's issue for game details). "Senior Night" will be tomorrow (Thursday) night in "The Den." The Junior Varsity will take on Poplar Springs at 5:30 pm in their last game of the season. Before the varsity's 7 pm contest, Altha's senior team members will be recognized along with their parents.
This Monday, February 8 the Wildcats will host the Munroe Bobcats in Round 1 of the Class 1A District 2 Tournament. The tip-off is scheduled for 6 pm.
GO WILDCATS!!!
