Girls basketball: Clear Springs downs Clear Creek

Clear Springs used its quickness and defensive intensity to top visiting Clear Creek 71-43 in Tuesday's District 24-5A opener.

The Chargers (13-2) harassed the Wildcats from the opening tip with a full court press and intense pressure on the ball. That led to several transition baskets that staked Clear Springs to a 14-4 lead midway through the first quarter.

As Clear Creek's turnover count mounted, Clear Springs built its lead to 41-22 at the end of the first half.

"That's our strength," Chargers coach Pam Crawford said. "We don't have any dominating post players, so we depend on our defense."

Clear Creek managed just seven field goals over the first two quarters.

Clear Springs matched that total in steals, part of 22 Wildcat turnovers.

The Chargers were quick to move the ball to the other end, scoring 20 points off transition in the first half alone.

"Our strength is an aggravating, nagging man-to-man defense," Crawford said.

"We have to use speed in place of big."

Courtnie Latham and Aaliyah Brown were constant thorns in Clear Creek's side, clogging the passing lanes and slapping away balls.

Latham finished the night with 23 points, six rebounds and three steals.

Brown chipped in with 12 points, 10 rebounds, four steals and two blocked shots.

Clear Creek never got its offensive in gear until the fourth quarter. By that time, the Wildcats trailed by 31 points and had amassed 33 turnovers.

Adrienne Phillips was the only Wildcat to hit double figures, ending the night with 13 points, six rebounds and three blocked shots.