Font ResizeThe Cubs had been able to stay close throughout the first half of play despite the Wildcats’ ability to drive the paint with impunity. The long range shooting of Nick Marino, who finished with 16 points to lead South Fork in scoring, was the main reason that Ferndale was held somewhat in check, with the score after the first quarter 11-9 in the Wildcats’ favor and their halftime lead just 27-20.
Ferndale racked up the first nine points of the second half before a Charles Gilliam bucket for the Cubs made it 36-22. Then came eight more Wildcats points before a Forrest Mitchell bucket made it 44-24 and the rout was on. Mitchell netted seven points for South Fork in the game, and Marino resumed scoring with seven in the final period, during which the Cubs outscored Ferndale 12-11.
Mitchell has been an improved player of late, with his inside work snagging rebounds and drawing fouls and his free throw shooting showing more consistency.
On Thursday night, the McKinleyville jayvees spotted the Cubs an opportunity to take an early advantage by spending a lot of time in the first quarter missing shots and turning the ball over, but South Fork suffered the same problems. Thus, after a listless first period that ended with the Panthers ahead, 8-1, Mack was able to get it together in the second quarter to zoom to a 30-10 halftime advantage on the way to an eventual 52-27 victory. A power outage in Miranda made for an interesting and lengthy rest period between halves, after which the Cubs played a competitive and commendable second half against what were, for the most part, the Panthers’ reserves. It was commendable because one thing that can be said for these young Cubs is that, no matter what the score is or how much time remains in the game, they are hustling and trying their best to work the scheme.
Friday night will be “everybody try to beat Hoopa night,” and Mat Bigham’s boys jayvees will take their turn at 4:30 in Miranda.
