Rough road games for the Lions

    The road had been rough for the Clear Lake boys.  The Lions returned to action after the holiday break with three road games last week.  Conference leaders Webster City and St. Ed’s both downed the visitors, then Forest City posted a non-conference win over the Lions.   The losses put the Lions at 3-6 on the season heading into a Monday game at Mason City.

WC 61, CL 45
    The Lions struggled to find their game at Webster City Tuesday, Jan. 3. 
    Ozzie Adams had 20 points to lead the team, but scoring fell off from there and the Lynx (8-1) posted a 61-45 victory.
    Bryson Hamilton came off the bench and put in nine points for the Lions.  Gavin Sheakley and Jack Abbas had four points apiece.  Chase Crosby and Spencer Davidson had three points apiece and Tanner Tusha finished with two.
    Despite being a bit off, the Lions were still in good position to challenge the Lynx in the second half.  They went into the locker room at halftime down, 30-20.  But the Lynx shut down thoughts of a comeback early in the third quarter.  They caught the Lions on their heels and scored several baskets with  fast breaks.
    “We didn’t have good possessions in the third quarter.  We didn’t get back in transition and gave up way too many fast break opportunities.  Offensively, we didn’t take good shots,” said Coach Kahler.  
    The Lions made just 17 of 45 shot attempts and were 2/11 from behind the three-point line.  Shooting was also cold at the free throw line, where the Lions were just 10/21.
    “Hopefully we’ll give them a better look when they come to our place later in the year.”

St. Ed’s 59, CL 42
    Shot selection was better, but the Lions just couldn’t get anything to drop in a Thursday night game in Fort Dodge.  St. Ed’s dominated the visiting Lions, 59-42.
    The Lions didn’t make a field goal in the second quarter and only scored 10 points in the second and third quarters combined.   The team ended the night with 11/52 shooting from the floor.  They were just 3/20 from beyond the three-point arc.
    Ozzie Adams again led the team in scoring with 15, helped by 6/8 shooting at the free throw line.  Spencer Davidson put in eight points and Tanner Tusha had six.  Gavin Sheakley finished with five points, Chase Crosby had four and Jack Abbas three points.  Bryson Hamilton sunk a free throw for one point.
    And while they struggled on offense, Coach Kahler said he was pleased with the Lions’ defensive effort.
    “Holding St. Ed’s to 59 points is a pretty good effort-- especially on their floor,” he noted.
    The Lions recorded 10 steals in the game, paced by Adams’ four.
    Chase Crosby pulled down eight rebounds and Hamilton had seven to lead the team. 

FC 78, CL 72
    The Lions played their best game of the week, but Forest City came away with a narrow 78-72 win Saturday.
    “We probably shot the ball better than we have all year.  The problem is, we can’t give up 78 points,” said Coach Kahler.
    The Lions led 54-52 at the end of three quarters, but For - Read More Via e-Edition