3rd time’s a charm!

It was truly a team effort! The Whippet Girls’ Basketball Team (#10) defeated Clinton (#7) 57-54 in the first round of regionals on Tuesday, February 21. Losing two close games to the Cougars in the regular season, we knew we needed to play two solid halves.

We came out on fire with two steals by Cali Grosinske resulting in a 3-point shot by Danielle DePorter in our first possession. Grosinske stole the ball and hit a shot putting us up 5-0. Clinton inched ahead 5-6, but that was the last time they would lead as Kopecky hit her first of five 3-pointers of the game, putting us up 8-6. That set the tone for us offensively. Zoe Kohl, Kindyl Kilar, and Danielle DePorter joined Kopecky in connecting on shots from the arc. 

Hitting those shots from outside was important for us a to counter Clinton’s zone defense. Mayte Navejas penetrated the gaps to score and create open looks on the perimeter. Senior, Cali Kopecky connected on four of her five 3s in the first half of the game. 

Going into halftime we led 34-26. 

The ball wouldn’t drop for us the first 5 minutes of the second half as Clinton started to close the gap 38-34. Solid defense in the lane by Kilar, Amundson, and Gillette, as well as hitting our free throws at the end of the game helped us maintain our lead. Danielle DePorter (5-5) and Kindyl Kilar (2-2) were 100% from the free throw line. Gillette hit the final bucket with 15 seconds left to secure the win. 

Cali Kopecky led the Whippets with 15 points and 7 rebounds. Danielle DePorter added 11 points, and Katie Gillette scored 8. Cali Grosinske added 7 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals. Mayte Navejas also scored 7 with 5 assists and 2 steals. Kilar scored 5 and rebounded 5. 

Article Submitted by Kristen Lippens
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
klippens@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka