Lions moving on

Fueled by a hustle play from junior Pete Swenson, the Clear Lake boys secured a win over Gilbert Monday night and advanced in post-season tournament play.

Late in the game Swenson dove to make a steal and tipped the ball to teammate Spencer Davidson, who drove the floor and laid the ball in the basket, giving the Lions a 

75-71 victory over Gilbert.  They are now scheduled to play Humboldt Thursday night in Algona.  The Wildcats, which split games with the Lions during the regular season, defeated Algona 70-54 Monday night.

“We’re looking forward to meeting Humboldt on a neutral court,” said Lions Coach Kevin Kahler.  “And I’m glad we’ll be playing a familiar foe.  Gilbert was an unknown.  We had uncertainty and reservations going in.  They were better than they looked on film.”

Gilbert was also bigger than the Lions and gave the home team a physical test.  The Tigers were led by 6’6” Michael Austin, who collected 19 points before fouling out in the final quarter.  They also had four strong shooters on the perimeter, which Kahler said prevented his team from packing in around Austin.  The Tigers sunk 10 three point shots in the game.

Davidson led the Lions with 20 points, 18 of which he scored in the second half, and Swenson finished with 19.  Davis Dieken came off the bench and provided 13 points, including a key rebound and free throw in the final minute of play.  

The Lions were trailing by two with just under two minutes to play when Davidson drove the lane and was fouled.  He made both free throws to pull his team within one, 69-68.  

A Tiger turnover gave the Lions the ball and Matt Stephany made the most of the opportunity, scoring on a reverse layup and putting the Lions ahead, 70-69.

Gilbert regained the lead with a field goal, but Swenson responded with a jump shot to give the Lions a 72-71 lead with :50 second remaining.  Swenson then shifted to defensive mode and tipped the ball away from a Gilbert player, swatting it to Davidson, who scored and put Clear Lake ahead, 74-71.  Davidson made nine of 10 free throw attempts in the game.

Dieken grabbed the rebound on a missed three-pointer from a Gilbert player and was fouled with :16 second left.  The junior sunk the first free throw and missed the second, providing a 75-71 lead.  The Tigers launched another three-pointer which missed the mark and the final seconds ticked off after Gavin Sheakley grabbed the rebound.

Sheakley was the fourth Lion to finish in double figures with 11 points.  Stephany had - Read More Via e-Edition