By Tyler Urke and Josh Brody in Sports
The Lady Penguins made sure they got an early lead in the game against South Puget Sound on Saturday. They led at halftime 33-17 and went on to win 63-55.
Clark (10-5) was looking to bounce back after dropping a game to NWAC top seed Centralia on Wednesday 86-58. Clark led at halftime in that game but with only seven players active, ran out of gas in the second half.
Saturday saw the return of freshman Bryn Tennyson who had been averaging 52 percent from the field and 56 percent from three before getting injured. Clark had eight to play with against SPS.
In the first half, Clark caused 12 turnovers and scored nine points off of them. Head coach Al Aldridge was pleased with their defense.
“We executed our game plan well in the first half,” Aldridge said. Clark’s goal was to stop South Puget Sound’s Ashley Stancil and Krista Johnson according to Aldridge. Both players were held scoreless in the first half.
The Penguin’s leading scorer was Alexa Orcutt who had a double-double with 22 points and 12 rebounds. Aldridge said it was good to see her recover after a couple of rough games.
“I’m happy she came out of her slump today,” Aldridge said.
Clark’s next game will be on the road at Highline College on Jan. 28.
***
The bench for Clark’s men has been outstanding and last night’s game was no exception, rolling the South Puget Sound Clippers 106-66 on Saturday. The bench scored a blistering 53 points.
Hayden Hall was the game’s high scorer with 23 points off the bench.
“Every night it’s someone’s night and its just a matter of finding out who it is and utilizing them within our offense. Tonight it was Hayden’s night,” said fellow guard Bryan Berg, who scored 21 points.
Clark’s men’s basketball team is now on a five game winning streak, tying them for first in the NWAC West Region.
“Championship or bust,” said Hall, “We think we have what it takes to go far in the NWAC tournament. This next game will be a big one since we are fighting for first.”
Playoff seeding will be on the line as the Penguins will play Highline College, the number one team in the NWAC West Region, Jan. 28.
