CL girls facing tough competition

The Clear Lake girls are starting the season testing their skills against some of North Iowa’s top teams.  Last week the Lions earned a win over West Fork Tuesday, then dropped a close game to Hampton-Dumont, ranked fourth in Class 3A, to go to 1-2 on the season.  Friday night 

the Lions are at home against another rated team.  The Gaels from St. Ed’s are ranked seventh in Class 2A.

CL 56, West Fork 48

Kaye Faber poured in 16 first half points and finished the game with a team-high 20 in Clear Lake’s 56-48 victory over West Fork.    It was the Lions’ first win of the season.

“I was pleased with our balanced scoring on the night.  We shared the ball well and took good shots,” said Coach Bart Smith.  “At times we looked really good and at times we looked really bad.  It’s early and girls are still trying to fit into roles.”

Faber’s role as the lead scorer was complemented by sophomore Emily Snelling, who had 11 points, and senior Lindsey Loudenburg, with 10.   Snelling was the leader on the boards with seven rebounds.  Loudenburg was credited with a team-high nine assists and five steals in the game.

Seniors Sidney Borrill and Katie Hewett contributed eight and seven points respectively.  Hewett grabbed four rebounds and Borrill pulled down three.  Kylie Bottjen helped the team with four assists, two steals and four rebounds.

The Warriors and Lions played an even first quarter, but the Lions outscored West Fork 18-7 in the second to hold a 33-23 lead at halftime.  

Both teams cooled in the third quarter, but West Fork found its rhythm in the fourth and mounted a comeback.  They outscored the Lions, 18-12, in the final quarter, but it was too little, too late.

“I thought the girls played hard all night and did a nice job of with-standing their late run,” said Coach Smith.  He noted seniors Loudenburg and Hewett were instrumental in pulling out the win.  Loudenburg drained a three-point shot and one play later Hewett stepped in to take a charge to swing momentum back to the Lions.

“West Fork is a good team that will win a lot of games this year.  We are happy to get this win,” said Smith.

H-D 70, CL 61

Scoring was fast and furious between Clear Lake and Hampton-Dumont Friday night.  After several lead changes throughout the game, the Bulldogs posted a 70-61 North Central Conference victory.

“It was a fun game to play, watch, and coach,” said Clear Lake Coach Bart Smith.  “Neither one of us wanted to really get some defensive stops tonight.  We just kept trading buckets back and forth.” - Read More Via e-Edition