Lions pick up wins over Charles City, H-D

(Above) Clear Lake’s Justin Sholly (left), Parker Truesdell and Thomas Storbeck put some heavy defensive pressure on a Hampton-Dumont player as he drives to the basket.  -Reporter photo by Chris Barragy

The Clear Lake boys pushed their record to 3-1 with a pair of wins last week.  The Lions posted a non-conference win over Charles City, then got the North Central Conference season off to a good start by topping Hampton-Dumont.

CL 75, Charles City 63

The Lions shot down the Charles City Comets Monday night, Dec. 7.

“I really liked how aggressive we came out against a big, athletic opponent,” said Lions Coach Jeremy Ainley.

Zach Lester set the tone for the home team with some key early drives to the basket and getting some quick points.  The Lions jumped out to a 16-11 first quarter lead, then outscored the Comets 20-10 in the second for a 36-21 halftime lead.

“We really shot the ball well, particularly from the outside with Thomas Storbeck hitting four threes and Parker Truesdell hitting five threes,” said Coach Ainley.  “Those two are our best threats from outside and are shooting well so far this season.”

The coach thought his team may have come out a little too relaxed after the break.  Charles City found some shooting rhythm in the third quarter and outscored the Lions 22-10.  By the fourth quarter the Comets had cut the Lions’ lead to three points.

“I thought our conditioning and depth showed up a little bit as we took control of the game and got on a run to get up 20 points before winning by 12,” said Coach Ainley.

Justin Sholly had a great all-around game with 10-points and 14 rebounds.  Thomas Storbeck shot it well again and finished with 19-points. Parker Truesdell provided a spark off the bench with five three-pointers for 15-points.  Lester also had a well-rounded game with 13 points, eight assists and five steals.  Zach Tatum recorded a career high of 13-points and eight rebounds.

Rounding out the scoring was Parker Pitzen with four points and Nick Naumann with one.

CL 75, H-D 52

The Lions were looking to get out to another quick start when Hampton-Dumont came to town Friday night, Dec. 11.  Unfortunately, the Bulldogs used an effective zone to keep Clear Lake down 12-8 after the first quarter of play.

The strategy didn’t work for long.  The Lions went on a 9-0 run and dominated the second quarter on their way to a 29-20 halftime lead.

More runs in the third and fourth quarters helped the Lions to the 23 point victory.

“I was really pleased with our aggressiveness on defense,” said Coach Ainley.  “We forced turnovers and the pace to be played at our style, which got them tired and in foul trouble.”

Zach Lester had another strong game.  The sophomore led the team with 18 points and, more importantly said the coach, seven assists and six rebounds.

Zach Tatum continues to perform at a high level, scoring 16 points and grabbing six rebounds.

Parker Truesdell and Thomas Storbeck shot the ball well from outside with 12 and 15 points respectively.  Truesdell pulled down five rebounds and had six assists.  Storbeck had six rebounds and two assists.  Justin Sholly put in eight points and Parker Pitzen added two.   Each player had seven rebounds.

“I am also very pleased with our bench,” added the coach. “They are not getting the minutes they want, or even deserve sometimes, but when given the opportunity are doing good things.  It is a tough role, but there just happens to be some good players in front of many of them, but the must be ready as there time could come at anytime.”

Coming off the bench and scoring two points apiece was Jarod Anderson and Ryan Atkinson.