CL girls dominate two conference opponents

Ninth ranked (3A) Clear Lake dominated a pair of North Central Conference opponents last week, improving to 2-1 in the young season.

CL 64, IF-A 20

There was no stopping the Clear Lake freight train Tuesday night in Iowa Falls.  The Lions shot out to a 23-3 first quarter lead and held the Cadets to single digit scoring in each quarter, ending in a 64-20 final score.  

“We had a good start defensively that allowed us to set tempo early,” said Head Coach Bart Smith.  “Our press was effective early and gave us easy scoring opportunities.  Those easy scoring opportunities allowed us to get into a rhythm offensively which, in turn, can feel more comfortable taking and making shots in our offense.”

Apparently everyone was in the comfort zone for the Lions, as four players scored in double figures.  Lindsey Loudenburg led the way with 13 points, followed by Bailey Kibsgaard and Logan Anderson with 11 apiece and Trudy Peterson with 10.  The fifth starter in the game, Madi Faber, was right behind with nine points.  

“I was pleased with how we had a balanced scoring attack.  That’s important, because teams just can’t focus on one particular player to beat us,” added Coach Smith.

Katie Hewett came off the bench to score six for the Lions.  Emily Phalen and Kylie Bottjen each had two points.

The Lions were also balanced on defense, with Kibsgaard grabbing seven rebounds, Peterson getting six and Faber, Hewett and Phalen each grabbing four.  

Loudenburg dished out a team-high six assists and had four steals to lead the team in those categories.

CL 60, Humboldt 23

The Lions provided an encore performance of their dominating defense while hosting Humboldt Friday, Dec. 6.  Another quick start put Clear Lake in control and the team cruised, 60-23.

“Our defense is pretty solid right now and were making it tough for teams to score against us,” said Coach Bart Smith.

The Lions jumped out to a 19-3 first quarter lead, but then got a bit careless with the ball and were outscored, 14-10 in the second quarter.  The home team took a 29-17 lead into the locker rooms at the half.

“We need to work on taking care of the ball better,” added Coach Smith. “We rushed a lot of decisions on Friday and some bad decisions were converted.  We need to be more sure on our decision making.  Really good teams will make us pay for those mistakes when we come across those teams.”

The Lions again had balanced scoring, with Trudy Peterson scoring 13, while Lindsey Loudenburg and Bailey Kibsgaard each had 10.  Madi Faber scored nine points and Logan Anderson finished with seven.  

Kibsgaard controlled the boards with eight rebounds.