A buzzer beater and two more wins for CL boys

After dropping their season-opener, the Clear Lake boys have rattled off three straight wins.  In the past week the Lions 

won a buzzer-beater over Charles City, then dominated St. Ed’s in a conference match-up.  

CL 62, Charles City 61

Turnabout was fair play when the Lions traveled to Charles City Thursday, Dec. 11.  Last season the Comets ended Clear Lake’s 19-game win streak in the last regular season game on a last second shot.  This year Parker Truesdell returned the favor.  

Truesdell launched a three-pointer with one second to go and gave his team a 62-61 non-conference victory.

The game was close throughout.  After a 13-13 first quarter draw, Clear Lake held a slim 33-32 halftime lead. 

“We didn’t have the greatest of energy at the start of the game and failed to jump out early on them,” said Coach Jeremy Ainley.  “We fought back and took the lead at half and began to separate a little in the second half but foul trouble allowed Charles City to hang around and eventually take the lead in the final minutes.”

The Lions began to take control in the third period and stretched their lead to as many as seven early in the final frame.  The Comets fought their way back and eventually took the lead in the final minute, only to be broken by Truesdell’s winning shot.  

“The guys battled and Charles City missed some free throws and gave us a shot at the end to win it.  The guys executed and Parker stepped up and hit a big shot,” said the coach.

Matt Stephany had a hot hand for the Lions.  The senior was 11/14 from field goal range and 1/2 from behind the three point line.  He sunk all three free throws he attempted.  

“Matt played his best basketball to date and was very efficient with 26 points.  Brock Adams was great with 13 assists and we executed when it counted,” said Ainley.

Adams scored eight points of his own and also had two steals and a blocked shot.

Devin Uhlenhopp was a perfect 3/3 from the field and added a free throw for seven points.  Truesdell, Tamarik Lee and Tanner Storbeck had five points apiece.  Thomas Storbeck added four points and Justin Sholly had two.

Lee led the team with seven defensive rebounds and a blocked shot.

CL 79, St. Ed’s 57

The Lions played their best game of the season and dominated St. Ed’s, 79-57, Friday to remain perfect in North Central Conference play.  The Lions (3-1, 2-0) are at home again this Friday to take on Clarion-Goldfield.

Tamarik Lee had a break out game in leading the Lions.  The senior scored 20 points on 9/11 shooting from the field and 2/3 at the free throw line.  He also grabbed five rebounds.

“Our post guys had a great game with a combined 47 points,” said Coach Jeremy Ainley.  “Tamarik played hard and good things happened for him in our offense.”

Three more seniors also finished in double figures scoring.  Matt Stephany contributed 17 points, Devin Uhlenhopp had 11 and Tanner Storbeck added 10 points.  Uhlenhopp and Storbeck each had three three-pointers in their total.

“Matt played a well rounded game and it  was also nice to see Devin and Tanner shoot the ball well,” added the coach.

Inspired by the crowd, the Lions - Read More Via e-Edition