Mason City tops Clear Lake girls in season opener

Clear Lake jumped out to a 14-7 first quarter lead, but Mason City found its game and outscored the Lions 17-5 in the second quarter on their way to a 57-40 victory in the first game of the season for both teams.

The Lions were effective in getting Mohawk standout MaKenzie Meyer in foul trouble early, but Mason City found other ways to score and were especially effective at the free throw line.

“I thought we played a pretty good first half,” said Clear Lake Coach Bart Smith.  “We played pretty good defense for the most part.  We just gave them too many points at the free-throw line. We need to do a better job of not fouling.”

The Mohawks held a 24-19 lead at the half, but Meyer and teammate Marci Wolters combined to score 21 straight points and went 25/26 during the second and third quarters to pad the Mohawks’ lead.  Mason City outscored the Lions 21-12 in the third quarter and 12-9 in the fourth for the 57-40 final score.

The coach said he was pleased by several aspects of the Lions game, including the emergence of Emily Snelling as an offensive leader.   “She looks like she’s a player that can score consistently for us.   It was nice to see a sophomore play the way she played against a good team,” said Smith.

Snelling made four of seven field goal attempts and was one-for-four from three point range.  She sunk one free throw for a team-high total of 12 points.

Senior Kaye Faber also finished in double figures with 11.  Sidney Borrill added 11 potions, Lindsey Loudenburg had four and Kylie Bottjen and Katie Hewett each scored three points.

Faber was the team leader in rebounds with 10.  Snelling was next with six boards.

Loudenburg was credited with three steals and five assists.

“The Mason City game is always a tough one, but a good one to learn from and we still have a lot of things to get better at,” added Coach Smith.

The Lions will be back in action Tuesday, Dec. 2, when they host West Fork in a non-conference matchup.