MARTINSBURG — It has been a rather rough few weeks for the Clearfield Lady Bison. On February 3, they eclipsed their win total from a year ago when they achieved their sixth on the season, taking down Curwensville. Since then, the last three games have not gone their way, and caused them to fall below the .500 mark. Hoping to end the skid, they headed to Martinsburg to go against the Lady Dragons of Central.
This night was not their night, as a consistent offensive attack from Central, coupled with some tough defense on the opposite end of the court, meant Clearfield suffered its eighth loss on the season, and their fourth consecutive, with a final score of 57-39.
Central was on it from the opening tip as they sped off to a two-possession lead, and would not let off. Clearfield managed only 15 points in the first half, as the Lady Dragons almost doubled the output to take a 29-15 advantage into the break. The second half saw the Lady Bison have a stronger showing, as they managed more points and better ball control, but it was not enough. Central put up another 18 points in the third quarter that was more than enough to keep the lead and split the season series, Clearfield had won at home 60-56 back on January 21.
The Lady Bison saw both Emma Hipps and Megan Durandetta account for 10 points each. The biggest surprise for Clearfield on this night was the struggle at the foul line. All season this was a strength that head coach Joey Castagnolo knew would decide some games, and on occasion has. But, the foul line was not kind to Clearfield this time as they would only go 5-for-11. Central did not do any better, as they would only go 6-for-10 at the stripe.
Central was paced by Kat Longenecker, who drained a game-high 20 points on the night. Bailey Heuston added in another 14, while Bralyn Ellis accounted for another 10.
Clearfield (6-8) kicks off the final two weeks of the season on Monday night inside the Bison Gymnasium when they host the Lady Raiders of Bellefonte. Varsity tip is slated for approximately 7:30 p.m.
SCORE BY QUARTER
Clearfield 8 7 14 10 – 39
Central 13 16 18 10 – 57
CLEARFIELD – 39
Riley Ryen 1 2-2 4, Cayleigh Walker 1 0-0 2, Emma Hipps 4 2-4 10, Paige Rhine 4 1-3 9, Megan Durandetta 4 0-2 10, Alaina Fedder 1 0-0 2, Lauryn Kitchen 1 0-0 2, Alayna Winters 0 0-0 0, Ally Gaines 0 0-0 0. TOTALS 16 5-11 39.
CENTRAL – 57
Leah Johnston 3 1-2 7, Kat Longenecker 9 0-0 20, Mackenzie Rhykerd 0 0-0 0, Morgan Knepp 2 0-2 4, Carly Dixon 1 0-0 2, Bailey Heuston 5 3-4 14, Bralyn Ellis 4 2-2 10. TOTALS 24 6-10 57.
