By AARON MURRAY\Daily Journal Sports Writer

Published: Saturday, November 18, 2006
Updated: Friday, November 17, 2006 11:06 PM CST

PARK HILLS - The Mineral Area Cardinals came out slow in the first half, but in the second half the Cardinals were able to turn it around and topple the Clark Penguins, 86-68.

After a plane ride from Vancouver, Washington, the Clark Penguins were ready to play their first game of the season. Meanwhile, Mineral Area was waiting with an undefeated record with five wins, and a home winning streak that reaches back into last season.

Clark started the game off with two threes from Cody Schrock. The Cardinals could not find their way to the hoop, and found themselves struggling early on. After three minutes had been shaved off the clock, Ricky Claitt would start the offensive production with a three-point shot.

John Fowler would start an offensive series for the Cardinals when it mattered most. With the Cardinals down by eight, Fowler drew the foul, made both free throws, and followed up with a dunk to swing the momentum back towards Mineral Area. The momentum shift would be enough to give the Cardinals a one-point lead going into the locker rooms.

Mineral Area came out to show the Penguins how the Cardinals can play with a 13-point run to start the half, which included the second dunk of the night, this time by Eric Stuckey, along with a couple of shots from the perimeter by Fowler and Caitt. Stuckey followed the three pointers by pulling down an offensive rebound before pushing the ball through for another two and the foul.

Clark finally snapped the run, but the Cardinals kept on hitting their shots and penetrating through the Penguins defense, something they were unable to do sucessfully in the first half. Tony Webb would break into the second half action with back-to-back three pointers followed by a three pointer by Fowler. After Fowler's three, Webb hit another to put the Cardinals up 64-46.

The Penguins had a run of their own, but Mineral Area would strike right back with another offensive series themselves. The final push by the Cardinals cancelled any hopes left in Clark, and Mineral Area was able to walk of the courts all grins.

The Penguins were led by Ken Chapman down low as Schrock worked from the perimeter. Although both players hit key shots for their team, the Penguins could not put together a run of points in the second half.

The Cardinals were led by Fowler and Webb who ended the night with 19 and 17 points respectively. Claitt and Willie Hassell would both end up with double digits in scoring. Along with the top four scorers, there would be seven other players that would contribute at least one point on the night.

Tomorrow night the Cardinals will try to make it 28 in a row at home against Lincoln Trail. Tipoff is scheduled at 7 p.m., and will follow the 5 p.m. game between Three Rivers and Clark.