By MIKE HUTSELL
A year ago, Utica ended the Wilson dynasty at the Greater Clark County Schools girls’ basketball championship tournament.
On Saturday, the Wildcats started what they hope is a new reign at the top.
Wilson claimed its third GCCS title in four years, beating the team that had won the title a season ago in the tournament final, 24-5.
“You just get really excited for the kids when you win one,” said Wilson head coach Jeff Farmer. “Utica, they got us last year and when you play against them you’re always worried. Their coach, Josh (Emily), he teaches defense above everything else, so we had to be worried.”
With a lineup stocked with nine fifth-graders, Wilson broke open a game that was close after one quarter. The Wildcats outscored the Jets 10-0 in the second period and 10-2 after halftime in the win.
“We’re just fortunate. Most of our girls here have been with us now three years,” Farmer said. “Utica was a little younger than we were this year.”
Eight players scored for Wilson, led by Katlyn Gernand’s six points. Heyleigh Caldwell, Hailey Jones and Chelsea Gibson all had four and Jhala Henry, Brianna Mahoney, Alyse Wheeler and Mikiyah Owens each had two.
Jennah Tincher scored three for Utica. Abby May also scored two for the Jets.
