Lions hold on for a 46-42 victory

by Marianne Gasaway

The Clear Lake Lions knocked off sixth ranked (3A) Waverly-Shell Rock Monday night in a wild start to the second half of the season.  The Lions clung to a one-point lead down the stretch, then Eric Ritter’s layup and free throw secured a four point, 46-42, victory.

“I was happy with  the effort.  Playing a top 10 team in the state was going to be a challenge and a good measuring stick out of Christmas break to see where we are at as a team,” said Coach Jeremey Ainley.  “It was a total team effort.  Everyone had a big impact.  We turned the ball over a little bit in first half -- some rust from break, but in second half we did a better job of taking care of the ball and executing in half-court on offense.  We controlled the paint and shot it well from inside. “

Each team sputtered early on and the first quarter ended with the Go-Hawks holding a 13-10 lead.  The margin remained three points at halftime, with W-SR on top, 24-21. That lead quickly disappeared when play resumed, as Andrew Formanek was fouled on a shot to start the third quarter.  The senior, who led the team with 15-points, drained two free throws, then gave an assist to Ritter that put the Lions in the lead, 25-24.  The score see-sawed throughout the third. The Go-Hawks dropped a shot at the buzzer to start the fourth ahead by one, 34-33.

Ritter and Carson Toebe joined Formanek in the trio of Lions in double figure scoring.  Ritter’s late heroics gave him 13 points in the game.  Toebe  also connected on a key three-point basket in the fourth quarter and finished with 12 points.

Joe Faber’s three points, and two from Travaughn Luyobya, rounded out the Lions’ scoring.

Expanding on his total team effort theme, Coach Ainley praised the defensive play of Jagger Schmitt.  The Lion junior, who was brought up to varsity play last season but ultimately sat out with an injury, held Waverly’s top scorer to just two-points in the game.  Also playing, but not scoring, was Jett Neuberger and Noah Petersen.

“We certainly have to get better but I’m very happy with the team’s progress,” added the coach.

Next up for the Lions is Webster City.  The 6-1 Lions will host the Lynx in a Friday night game and then travel to Forest City for a Saturday non-conference tilt.