Lions in driver’s seat to capture NCC crown

The top ranked Clear Lake boys continued to roll along with two more North Central Conference wins last week. The Lions won at home against Clarion-Goldfield, then traveled to St. Ed’s for an always-tough meeting with the Gaels.  With four conference games remaining, the Lions (15-0, 14-0) are in the driver’s seat to capture the NCC crown.  Humboldt has three NCC losses, while the Gaels have four.

The Lions were slated to travel to Garrigan on Tuesday and host Eagle Grove on Friday. 

CL 75, C-G 36

There was plenty of offense, but Coach Kevin Kahler said he was most pleased by the defense his team demonstrated in Tuesday’s 75-36 win over Clarion-Goldfield.

“I thought we made improvement tonight with our defense.   We only allowed 36 points for the game and were able to shut them out in the fourth quarter,” noted Kahler.

The Lions opened with a 15-6 first quarter performance and built the lead to 37-21 at half time.  

Spencer Davidson led the team with 20 points, while Matt Stephany had 17 and Davis Dieken 14.

“Offensively, we were able to get to the basket and get some good looks.   Overall, I thought we played well on both ends of the floor,” said Kahler.

In addition to his 17 points, Stephany had a team-high eight rebounds.  Dieken, who was 7/8 from the floor, pulled down six rebounds.  Pete Swenson scored nine and dished out six assists to his teammates.  He and Davidson ended with five rebounds in the game. 

Chase Lester scored seven points for the Lions and had a pair of the team’s seven steals.  Jake Iverson, Devin Uhlenhopp, Tamarik Lee and JJ Theobald all had two points apiece.

CL 66, ST. ED’S 54

The Lions found themselves in the unusual position of playing from behind while on the road at St. Ed’s Friday night.  The home team raced out to a 25-16 first quarter lead before the Lions righted the ship.

“It didn’t look good at the end of the first quarter, but our defense really stepped up and played well over the last three quarters,” said Coach Kevin Kahler.    Holding St. Eds’ leading scorer, Robby Burke, to 12 points was a key in the win, he added.

The Lions seemed to find their legs on offense as the game progressed and three players finished in double figures.  Spencer Davidson led the way with  23 points, followed by Davis Dieken with 18 and Pete Swenson with 10.  Matt Stephany was right behind with nine.  Brock Adams and Jack Abbas had five and one point respectively.

Dieken made his night a double-double with 11 rebounds.  The senior also had two blocked shots.

Swenson and Adams also hit the boards hard with seven rebounds apiece.

“Once we got settled in offensively, I thought the kids did a nice job,” added Coach Kahler.  “Winning at St. Ed’s was one of our goals going into the season, so it was a big win for us.  This was also the last game in the seeding process, so it guarantees us the number one seed going into the tournament.  It’s also another important win for us in the conference race.”