CPS girls win at home
Jessica Halford scored 16 first half points, and 22 points overall, to lead the Cyrus Peirce girls past visiting Mattacheese last Thursday afternoon, 33-19.

ROB BENCHLEY/The Independent Jess Halford took it to the hoop against Mattacheese for a game high 22 points.

Playing to a sizeable crowd in the farewell athletic contest of 2007 at the John J. O'Neill gymnasium, Nantucket soared to a 22-7 halftime lead, leaving no doubt about the outcome as the young Whalers outscored the visitors in every quarter but the fourth, when they were outscored by a 6-4 margin.

No matter, first year coach Hoby McNerney was able to clear his ample bench and spread playing time around.

"I'm really excited," he said afterwards. "It was nice to get the first one in. We're ready for the season."

McNerney moved to Nantucket at the end of September to teach physical education at the high school. He previously worked as a coach at the Boys and Girls Club in Plymouth and said he was glad to have the opportunity to coach on Nantucket.

Alicia Paterson had four first-half points, and five points overall, while Alexisse Clinger rounded out first-half scoring with two points.

Kaitlyn Clinger had four second-half points. I

- Steve Sheppard