Lions split with early season NCC favorites

Boys adjust to challenge IF-A; Use defense, free throws to top Humboldt

The Clear Lake boys spent the first week of the season taking on a pair of favorites in the North Central Conference.  The Lions posted a 1-1 record against their opponents, leaving Coach Kevin Kahler optimistic about the Lions’ prospects for the season.

IF-A 67, CL 58

The Lions opened the season by facing Iowa Falls-Alden, a pre-season pick for an NCC title.  The 

Cadets are led by 6’8” Casey Schlatter, a 6’8” scoring machine.  Schlatter picked up 41 points in the win, but the Lions were effective in shutting down his teammates and keeping the game close.  The Lions were within three points on several occasions, but the Cadets pulled out a 67-58 victory.

“Our overall defense wasn’t bad, we just didn’t have an answer for Schlatter,” said Coach Kahler.  “He has improved a lot since last year.  We’ll obviously have to make some adjustments when we play them again later in the year.”

The Lions had a hard time overcoming some early foul trouble.  After finishing the first quarter with an 18-16 lead, the Cadets pulled away to a 45-33 halftime lead, fueled by Schlatter’s many trips to the foul line.  Schlatter amassed 29 of his 41 points in the first half.

The Lions made some adjustments at the half and out-scored the Cadets 15-9 to pull with six, 54-48.  The Cadets held on in the final frame, outscoring the Lions 13-10.

Three Lions finished in double figures scoring.  Spencer Davidson scored 16 in the second half to finish with a team-high 18 points.  Pete Swenson had 12 points and Gavin Sheakley added 10.  

Jack Abbas contributed eight points, including a three-pointer early in the third quarter which Coach Kahler said gave his team a spark.  Bryson Hamilton scored six points and had an impressive 10 rebounds in the game.  Swenson and Davis Dieken were next with four boards apiece.  Dieken and Chase Lester had two points apiece.

“It was a tough way to start out, but hopefully we learned some things and we get better because of it,” added Coach Kahler.  

CL 50, Humboldt 46

The experience of the first game helped the Lions in their next contest.  Friday the Lions defeated Humboldt, another NCC favorite, 50-46. - Read More Via e-Edition