Lions take a bite out of #3 rated Bulldogs

Win puts Clear Lake in the rankings before loss to St. Edmond

The Clear Lake girls basketball team upset third ranked (3A) Hampton-Dumont Tuesday, but stumbled in another key conference matchup to go to 8-5 overall and 5-3 in the NCC.  

CL 51, H-D 33

The Lions clicked on all cylinders Tuesday and treated their fans to an exciting upset over 

third ranked and previously unbeaten (3A) Hampton-Dumont, 51-33.  The victory boosted the Lions into the ratings.  They were listed at number 13 in Class 3A rankings released Thursday.

“It was our best executed game we have played all year,” said Coach Bart Smith.  “They did exactly what we wanted them to do as a coaching staff and understood personnel.  Our rebounding was really good and kept them from getting second chance shots.  They should be proud of holding a team that averages 65 points per game to just 33.”

The Lions maintained control of the first half and took a 24-17 advantage into the locker room at halftime.  After an even third quarter, the Lions shut the Bulldogs down in the final frame, outscoring them 14-5.

Seniors Kaye Faber and Katie Hewett led the way with 19 and 12 points respectively.  Hewett dominated the boards with 13 rebounds. Faber had six.

Sidney Borrill and Emily Snelling had eight points apiece.  Lindsey Loudenburg rounded out the scoring with four points.  The Lions had 11 steals in the game, led by Loudenburg with four and Borrill with three.

St. Eds 55, CL 42

The Lions came crashing back to earth Friday night.  The sweet victory over Hampton-Dumont was soured by losing a game they felt they should have won.  St. Ed’s (9-4, 7-1) defeated the Lions 55-42.

“I was very disappointed in our effort and the way we started the game,” said Coach Bart Smith, whose team turned the ball over on its first four possessions.  

The Lions were able to settle in an managed to pull within five points at the half, 27-22.  By the start of the fourth quarter the difference was three and it seemed a win was within reach.

But turnovers again haunted the Lions and the Gaels steadily pulled away.  They outscored Clear Lake 15-5 in the final quarter for the 13-point win.

Lindsey Loudenburg and Katie Hewett were the leading scorers for the Lions with 11 and 10-points respectively.  Hewett also had a team-high seven rebounds.  Emily Snelling put in nine points, while Kaye Faber scored six and Sidney Borrill four.  Mckenna Backhaus came in to score a basket.

“We had just too many turnovers, which translates into missed opportunities to make a run.  It’s important we respond the correct the way after this game and that is by practicing harder and with more focus,” said Coach Smith.

This week the Lions entertain Crestwood (13-2) in a non-conference matchup Thursday, Jan. 29, and will be at Clarion-Goldfield/Dows (5-11, 1-8) Friday, Jan. 30.  The team is back home Tuesday, Feb. 3, to meet Algona (10-4, 5-3).