Three more wins under Clear Lake’s belt

The Clear Lake boys notched three solid victories in the past week, improving to 11-5 overall and 9-1 in the North Central Conference.  CL 76, IF-A 28

Clear Lake manhandled NCC cellar-dweller Iowa Falls-Alden (1-15, 0-11) Tuesday, Jan. 27.  The Lions rolled, 76-28.

“We had a very complete effort as a team,” said Coach Jeremy Ainley.  “We jumped out early in the first half and were able to get a lot of guys some valuable minutes and I was very happy with the total teams contributions.”

Twelve Lions scored in the game, led by Brock Adams and Tamarik Lee.

“Brock shot the ball well and had 14 points with seven assists and Tamarik was very energetic with 14 points and 11 rebounds,” said the coach.

Thomas Storbeck and Matt Stephany were also in double figures with 11 and 10 points respectively.  Stephany also recorded two blocked shots.

Devin Uhlenhopp put in seven points and had a team-high four steals.  Parker Truesdell had six points and Jacob Hogan finished with four points and six rebounds.  Tucker Tusha, Parker Pitzen, Zach Lester, Tanner Storbeck and Alex VanderPloeg all scored two points apiece.

CL 56, Crestwood 43

Parker Truesdell drained four three-pointers on his way to a game-high 16 points to lead the Lions past Crestwood (9-7), 56-43, Thursday, Jan. 29, in non-conference action.

“I thought we had our most complete effort of the year on both the offensive defensive ends of the floor,” said Coach Ainley.  “They were a very big team with a 6’ 7” center and a very good guard at 6’ 3” and overall very athletic.  We were able to pressure them into some turnovers and make some key baskets to get up in the first half.”

The Lions outscored the Cadets 16-9 in the first quarter and held a 28-18 lead at the half.

The Cadets made a run to start the second half, but the Lions withstood the surge and were able to take control of the game in the fourth.  

“Our bench play was the key to the game,” said Ainley.  “They scored 26 points, shot the ball efficiently and, more importantly, had zero turnovers combined.”

Truesdell came off the bench to lead the scoring with his 16 points.  Jacob Hogan and Alex Vander Ploeg had four apiece and Justin Sholly had two points.

Senior starters Tamarik Lee and Matt Stephany each had 11 points, with Lee grabbing a team-high eight rebounds.  

“Matt and Tamarik did a great job underneath against a big, physical team,” added the coach.

Brock Adams had six points and six assists.  Devin Uhlenhopp finished with two points, two assists and five rebounds.

Clear Lake’s defense held Crestwood’s leading scorers, Tristian Bohr and Matt Goodman, to seven and eight points each.

CL 81, C-G/D 75

After a very emotional and taxing night on Thursday, the Lions came out a little flat Friday night against Clarion-Goldfield/Dows (1-10, 5-12).  After building an 18-point lead in the third quarter, Clear Lake turned back a Cowboy threat and won, 81-75.

The Cowboys got off to a fast start against the Lions.  The home team held a five point advantage after one quarter of play, 18-13.  In the second period the Lions outscored their hosts, 26-15, for a five point lead at the break.

“In the third we were able to build our lead to 18, but give credit to Clarion for not giving up in the fourth and making some shots to make it interesting towards the end.  We did enough to survive, but need to find a way to bring the same energy every night,” said Coach Ainley.

The Cowboys outscored the Lions, 32-22 in the final period to close the gap.

Matt Stephany had a great game, with 19 points and 10 rebounds.  He was also credited with a blocked shot and two assists in the win.

Parker Truesdell continued to shoot the ball well and was a spark off the bench with 14 points and steal.  Brock Adams also had a good all around night with 15 points and seven assists.

“Again our bench was great,with Jacob Hogan giving us six solid points,” noted Coach Ainley.

 Thomas Storbeck came in to score four and Tucker Tusha contributed two points.  

Tanner Storbeck was in double figures with 11 points, Devin Uhlenhopp had six and Tamarik Lee scored four for the Lions.