Varsity, JV squads post non-league home victories over Wildcats
MIDDLETOWN >> Coming off a great fall sports season in soccer, Middletown High School senior Autumn Clark is off to a pretty good start in basketball too, including a solid effort Thursday night in the Mustangs’ 46-27 non-league varsity win over the Calistoga Wildcats at Middletown.
“Senior guard Autumn Clark was an absolute game-changer tonight,” Middletown interim head coach Shannon Williams said. “She led the team with seven rebounds and six steals, and all 10 of her points came from aggressive drives to the baskets. Her energy and physical play set the tone throughout the night.”
Izzi Hoogendoorn also did her part in the win with a team-leading 13 points and six assists to go along with four rebounds and four steals.
“Izzi Hoogendoorn continues to be a major force on both ends of the floor, providing reliable scoring and strong defense,” Williams said. “She and Jordyn Harbison (four points, six rebounds, five assists) also served as key leaders, guiding the team with their communication and smart decision-making.”
Despite the final score, Middletown didn’t pull away from Calistoga until the fourth quarter, outscoring the Wildcats 13-1 down the stretch.
Harley Holley sat out most of the first half in foul trouble but returned to the floor in the second half when she scored nine of her 11 points, giving the team a “much-needed boost,” according to Williams.
Middletown led 8-7 after one quarter, 21-15 at halftime and 33-26 after three quarters.
Brenna Goodloe, a junior forward, came off the bench to score all six of her points in the second quarter.
Middletown (2-1) travels to Ukiah for a North Coast Section Foundation Game on Tuesday. Junior varsity action tips off at 3 p.m. with the varsity game to follow. Foundation Game results do not count in the standings.
Junior varsity
Middletown’s JV squad shut out Calistoga over the final three quarters, posting an easy 64-4 victory.
The Mustangs (3-0) scored the final 50 points.
Chloe Pulido led the way with 14 points while Nevaeh Wienke came off the bench to score 11. Jolene Holley added nine points, Emma Davis had eight, Ally Cherry and Jaquelin Nunez each had seven while Grace Williams finished with six points, five assists and four steals.
“Yesterday’s game was a complete team win,” Middletown head coach Daryl Dacosta said. “The starters set the tone at the beginning of the game of the game led by Chloe Pulido. Neveah Wienke came off the bench and really facilitated the offense running point most of the game and contributing a season high for her of 11 points.”
Wienke and Holley both made 3-pointers, Holley’s shot coming from well behind the 3-point arc.
“Jolene Holley set the crowd on fire with her deep three in the third period,” Dacosta said.
