Late basket dooms CL

(Above) Clear Lake’s Sean Wendel (right) and Drew Enke scramble after a lose ball during Friday night’s close contest against Algona.  The Lions fell, 49-47. -Reporter photo by Chris Barragy

A late basket lifted the Algona Bulldogs to a 49-47 victory over the Clear Lake boys Friday night, Dec. 8.  The loss evened the Lions’ record at 2-2 overall and 1-1 in the North Central Conference, while Algona improved to 1-3, 1-0.

“Algona is a tough rival that had been struggling and we knew they would play better against us.  They came out and hit some shots early and we, just for the whole night, could not hit timely shot,” said Clear Lake Coach Jeremey Ainley.

After trailing by four at halftime, 25-21, the Lions chipped away at the Bulldogs’ lead, but couldn’t get enough momentum to capture the win.

“In the second half we again struggled to make baskets, whether it was contested layups or open threes,” said Ainley.

The Lions outscored the Bulldogs 14-13 in the third quarter, but were down by six early in the fourth.  They battled back to take the lead with one minute remaining in the game.  Unfortunately, the Bulldogs made a big shot with :15 seconds left and the Lions couldn’t answer.

“We had five great looks at threes in the fourth quarter and couldn’t make any,” said Ainley.  “This game is made on shot makers and unfortunately right now we’re are not making

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any.  But it is early and I believe that we will be fine.  Zach Lester had a good game with 22 points and continues to make plays.  We just need a couple players to follow his lead.”

Lester also had a team-high six rebounds, three assists, two steals and a blocked shot.

Drew Enke put in eight points, Sean Wendel and Jared Penning each had four, and Alex Snelling, Sam Pedelty and Tate Storbeck had three points apiece.

This week the Lions will host Humboldt Friday night, Dec. 15.  Monday they will be at Mason City and Tuesday they are back in NCC action at Iowa Falls-Alden.

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