Girls team gains momentum, picks up win over Wildcats

The Clear Lake girls started the season a bit slow, but continue to build momentum.  The Lions dropped their first game of the season, but rebounded with a win against Humboldt Friday to even their record at 1-1.  This week the Lions traveled to Webster City 

last night (Dec. 4) and are on the road again Friday, Dec. 7, at Hampton.  They will be back in the friendly confines Tuesday, Dec. 11, to host Clarion-Goldfield.

IF-A 50, CL 44

After a slow start, the Clear Lake girls basketball team showed its determination and fought its way back from double digit deficits and battled Iowa Falls-Alden to the end before falling Tuesday, 50-44.

The Lions connected on just four of 26 shots from the floor in the first half, helping the Cadets jump to a 10-7 first quarter lead.  By halftime the margin was 25-12. 

“Our second quarter shooting slump and turnovers were the deciding factor in the loss,” said Coach Bart Smith.  “I was pleased with the shot selection and felt we were attacking and sharing the ball well, but the shots just didn’t fall.”

The coach said he was proud of the way his team came out of the break, determined to get back into the contest.

“The second half is the way we need to play all the time.  Ball security is the main thing we need to focus on and get better at.”

The Lions amped up the tempo of the second half and began to press the Cadets.  The effort produced 11 IF-A turnovers in the third quarter.  At the same time, Clear Lake outscored the Cadets 14-7 to pull with 32-26 heading into the final quarter.  

Helped by Lion fouls, IF-A settled down and matched the Lions in scoring in the fourth quarter, securing the win.

Senior Megan Loux led the Lions in scoring with 17 points.  Logan Anderson also finished in double figures with 16.  Trudy Peterson put in seven points and Madison Faber had four.

The Lion defense was led by Kaitlyn Pitzen, who pulled down seven rebounds.  Bailey Kibsgaard grabbed six rebounds.  Loux and Anderson had four rebounds apiece and Faber finished with three.  Kristen Hewett helped with a team-high five steals and a blocked shot.  She also had three rebounds.  Loux and Anderson had four steals each.

CL 53, Humboldt 43

The Lions got off to a better start on Friday and toppled Humboldt, 53-43.

“We were effective in our press by getting - Read More Via e-Edition