Back-to-back losses for Clear Lake boys

Back-to-back games resulted in back-to-back losses for the Clear Lake boys last week.  Webster City and Forest City put the Lions’ losing streak at five and their record at 4-6 overall and 3-2 in the North Central Conference.

Webster City 67, CL 59

Undefeated Webster City got off to a fast start against the Lions Friday, Jan. 8, then held on for a 67-59 NCC win.

The Lions trailed by seven points, 17-10 after the first quarter, but managed to play even with the Lynx in the second for a 22-15 halftime score.

“We came out a little flat in intensity, which was disappointing, and let them build a lead in the first quarter.  I thought in the second quarter we got our legs underneath us a little better and fought back a little,” said Coach Jeremy Ainley.

  A much better third quarter closed the gap to three heading into the final period, 44-41.

Webster City outscored the Lions in the fourth, 67-59.

“Ultimately, we turned the ball over a little too much down the stretch and missed some shots after they missed some free throws,” said Coach Ainley.

Thomas Storbeck was the leader of a trio of Lions in double figures.  The senior scored 18 points, boosted by 4/5 shooting from three-point range.   Zach Lester added 13 points and dished out six assists, while Zach Tatum had a solid game with 11 points.  Foul trouble sent Tatum to the bench early.

Parker Truesdell and Parker Pitzen scored six points apiece, Jarod Anderson had three and Justin Sholly chipped in two points.

Pitzen pulled down five rebounds and Sholly had four.

Forest City 54, CL 52

A shot at the buzzer by Thomas Storbeck just missed, giving Forest City a 54-52 win over Clear Lake Saturday, Jan. 9.

The Lions held a two-point lead to start the final period, but the Indians outscored them 11-7 in the final eight minutes to get the win.

“I thought we came out with a lot of energy and got up nine early in the first quarter, which was great to see,” said the Lion Coach.  “Unfortunately we turned the ball over in the second quarter and let our lead get away before half.  We had too many silly turnovers against light pressure and stopped running on offense.”

The Lions regained control of the game and led much of the third and fourth quarters before the Indians made some big shots and took the lead with two-minutes to go in the game.

Clear Lake’s defense made four straight stops, but couldn’t get a basket to fall, including Storbeck’s potential basket at the end of the game.

Storbeck led the team with 23 points on 9/16 shooting from two-point range.  He scored 15 points in the first quarter to help the Lions off to a strong start.   He was also 3/4 at the free throw line.

Zach Lester fought through foul trouble to finish in double figures with 10 points. Parker Truesdell scored nine points and Zach Tatum finished with eight points and seven rebounds.  Justin Sholly added two points.  Jarod Anderson played a good game with five assists.

“Again, we had too many bad turnovers that led to easy baskets for them,” said Ainley.  “There is plenty of season left, but we have to get better in late game situations, with or without the lead, which is hard for an inexperienced team, but we will get better.”