CL girls knocked out of post-season by last second shot

(Above) The Clear Lake bench got into the action by cheering loud during Saturday night’s game, while the coaches were more intent on watching the game. -Reporter photo by Chris Barragy

by Marianne Gasaway

A last second shot failed to connect and the Clear Lake girls were knocked out of post-season competition Saturday.  Roland-Story (19-5) shocked the Lions, 44-43, in a game played in Clarion.

“Not the way we wanted our season to end,” said Clear Lake Head Coach Bart Smith, whose team ended with a record of 17-5.  “Roland-Story is a very good team, but we missed open shots late and missed too many free throws throughout the game to pull this game off.”

The Lions seemed to be in control early, with a 14-7 lead after the first quarter and a 25-17 halftime advantage.

However, the Norsemen began clawing their way back in the third by outscoring the Lions, 13-7.  They made up the remainder of the difference in the fourth, 14-11.

The Lions were uncharacteristically cold from the free throw line; they made just six of 15 attempts.

The Lions had possession of the ball for a final shot to win.

Sara Faber drove the lane and passed the ball out to Lexi Fasbender for a jump shot.  The shot was partially blocked and the buzzer sounded with a Lion defeat.

“We won the majority of the important stats that will allow you to win games  like this, but we just couldn’t find a big shot when we needed it,” said Coach Smith.  “We had a shot to win, but we just came up a little short.  I’m very proud of what these seniors and group of kids accomplished this year and they should be proud of what they accomplished.”

Faber was the leader on the court for the lions with 14 points and nine rebounds.  Chelsey Holck came off the bench to score eight points and get two steals.  Julia Merfeld put in seven points and pulled down eight rebounds.  Lexi Fasbender finished with six points, Zoe Fasbender had four, and Kaitlyn and Mikayla Vanderploeg each scored two points.

CL 72, Kuemper 42

The Lions began post-season play with a solid game against Kuemper Wednesday, Feb. 13.

The team got off to a quick start and led 26-7 after the first quarter of play.  By halftime they were in command, 46-15.

“Our girls were ready from the tip and I was pleased with their efforts.  Our defensive pressure gave them fits to start and they struggled offensively from the beginning,” said Coach Bart Smith.  “This was our best offensive game so far this season.  Everyone was hitting shot and playing fundamental basketball.”

Lexi Fasbender poured in 18-points, including six three-pointers, to lead the team.  Sara Faber contributed 16 points and had five rebounds and six steals for the Lions.  Julia Merfeld and Zoe Fasbender were also in double figures with 13 and 12-points respectively.  Merfeld was also credited with dishing out 10 assists.

Mikayla Vanderploeg finished with eight points, Rowan Fread three, and Ali Maulsby scored two.