CL girls advance with win over Panthers

The Clear Lake girls (20-2) began their bid for a State Tournament berth with a 58-32 victory over Central Springs Saturday, Feb. 15.

The Lions had a bit of a slow start, but once they got rolling it was all Clear Lake.  After a scoreless first three minutes, Clear Lake worked through its jitters and pulled out to a 14-4 first quarter 

lead. They continued to hold the Panthers to single digit scoring in the first three quarters, leading 51-16 after three periods.

“We got a lot of good looks from the perimeter on Saturday.  I was pleased to see our girls looking for their shots and taking them when they were open.  Our press was effective in the second quarter and we capitalized on their turnovers,” said Coach Bart Smith. 

Seniors Logan Anderson and Bailey Kibsgaard each scored in double figures for the Lions.  Anderson put in 18-points, had seven rebounds and four steals.  Kibsgaard demonstrated perfect shooting, going 4/4 from the field and 2/2 at the free throw line, finishing with 10-points.  She also grabbed five rebounds and had a pair of steals.

Senior Trudy Peterson was also effective on offense, scoring nine points.  Lindsey Loudenberg added seven points and made a team-high 10 assists. Madi Faber had five and Emily Phalen scored four points.  Kay Faber and Sidney Borrill had three and two points respectively.

The Lions advance to face Garner-Hayfield/Ventura tonight (Wednesday, Feb. 19) in Clear Lake.  In the final rankings of the season posted by the Iowa High School Girls Athletic Union, Clear Lake was ranked third in Class 3A, while GHV was 15th.

“We are excited to play GHV, who is a good team that is well coached and disciplined,” said Coach Smith.   “Everyone is a good team after the first round of tournaments and we need to come with focus and toughness on Wednesday.”