CL girls learn from loss to Mason City to top IF-A

The Clear Lake girls built upon a loss to number one ranked Mason City Monday to score a win against Iowa Falls-Alden on the road Friday.  The victory improved the Lions’ record to 8-3.

Friday night the Lions will host Hampton-Dumont.  The game has been designated as a fundraiser for cancer awareness and research support.  Free will donations will be accepted at the door of the girls and boys games. Wearing pink is also encouraged for this Coaches Against Cancer event.

Mason City 63, CL 34

Mason City forced 13 turnovers in the first half on their way to a lopsided victory over the Lions Monday, Jan. 7.   The Mohawks got off to a 13-5 lead after one quarter and were in cruise control by halftime, 33-15.

“We played tough for the first 14 minutes of the game against the best team in the state.  I was proud of our team on how well the executed the game plan.  The last two minutes of the second quarter is where we lost the game,” said Clear Lake Coach Bart Smith.  “I would have liked to only be down 11 going into the half, but they went on a 7-0 run in the last minute to put them up 18 instead.”

Logan Anderson led the Lions in scoring with eight points.  Trudy Peterson and Bailey Kibsgaard each had six.  

Coach Smith gave all of his players a chance to contribute.  Kaye Faber finished with three points, while Megan Loux, Emily Phalen, Kaitlyn Pitzen, Madison Faber and Sidney Borrill all had two points apiece.  Emily Willms got onto the scorebook with a free throw.

Kristen Hewett didn’t score, but pulled down a team-high seven rebounds.  Kibsgaard was also a leader on the boards with six.

“It’s hard to hang in there when you’re down that much against a quality team in Mason City,” added Coach Smith.  “Our girls kept playing hard the whole game.  There was no quit in them and I am proud, as a coach, to see that.”

CL 45, IF-A 40

The Lions did what they had to do to come out with a win at Iowa Falls Friday night.

“It wasn’t pretty, but we found a way to win even though we didn’t shoot the ball extremely well,” said Coach Bart Smith.  “A  good fourth quarter allowed us to get this win.”

The Lions were cold at the start and scored just five points in the first quarter.  They picked up steam in the second to trail only 19-15 at the half.  After an even third quarter, the team erupted for 20 points in the fourth.

Down the stretch, Logan Anderson drained a three-pointer and Trudy Peterson sunk clutch free throws to seal the deal.  Anderson finished as the high scorer for the Lions with 12.  She also had five of the Lions’ 10 steals in the game.

The coach also praised the play of junior Bailey Kibsgaard, who recorded a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds.  “She continues to be consistent on the boards for us,” said Smith.

Kristen Hewett was also in double figures with 10 points and eight rebounds. - Read More Via e-Edition