Lions now ranked #3 in Class 3A

Clear Lake used a 17-5 second quarter to surge ahead of Bishop Garrigan and capture a 57-49 North Central Conference victory Tuesday, Dec. 17.  The win kept the Lions perfect so far this season at 5-0 and ranked number three in Class 3A.

“We didn’t execute as well as I would have liked, but it was good for us to be involved in a close game and get pushed a little bit,” said Coach Kevin Kahler.   “I thought our kids did a nice job of handling the adversity of a close game.”

Garrigan jumped out to an 11-7 first quarter lead and looked ready to rock the Lions on their home floor.   

In the second half the lid came off the basket for the Lions and they began to get more defensive stops.  Clear Lake was ahead 24-16 at the half.

“Defensively, I thought we took another step forward.  We held their leading scorer (Krieps) to 12 points, which was a key for us going into the game,” added Coach Kahler.  

Krieps had been averaging 21.6 points per game coming into Tuesday’s game.  “Offensively, we need to make better decisions with our passing and shot selection.  We’re making progress though; I feel good about where we’re at.”

The Lions had a balanced scoring attack and sunk free throws down the stretch to seal the win.  Garrigan got as close as two with 2:28 to go, but a trey from Matt Stephany put the Lions up 50-45.  On the next possession Pete Swenson drove and was fouled.  He converted one free throw, then recorded one of his four steals in the game to give the Lions the ball again.  From there they continued to tack on points for the 57-49 win. - Read More Via e-Edition