Lions show they have plenty to build on

(Above) Gretchen Jones puts up a battle to get the ball away from a Mason City player, while Jessica Faber (24) and Jordyn Barragy (40) block the way to the basket.  -Reporter photo by Chris Barragy

The Clear Lake girls gave defending Class 4A State Champion Mason City all it wanted in their season-opening game played Friday, Nov. 18, in Clear Lake.

Lions Coach Bart Smith said he saw plenty to build upon in the wake of a 45-31 loss.

“I thought we defended very well versus Mason City.  We gave up too many offensive rebounds and they converted on them, scoring 14 second chance points,” said Smith.

While both teams struggled to get their offenses on track in their first game, it was the Mohawks who took advantage of early Lion turnovers and took an 11-7 lead after one quarter of play.  The four-point difference was as close as Clear Lake would get in the game.

At halftime Mason City took a 26-14 lead into the locker room.

The teams continued to stumble when play resumed in the second half.  The Lions scored just four points in the third quarter, while the Mohawks put in eight.

The fourth quarter was better, as the Lions outscored their opponent 13-11.

Coach Smith said the game provided value playing time for three freshmen on the varsity roster.  One of them even finished as top scorer.  Julia Merfeld put in seven points to go with her five rebounds and a steal in the game.

“I was pleased to see our young freshmen compete and hold their own against one of the best programs in the state,” said Smith.

Juniors Gretchen Jones and Jordyn Barragy each scored six points for the team, followed by senior Jessica Faber with five.  Freshman Sara Faber added four points and Chloe Mueller had three.

Sara Faber joined Merfeld with five rebounds.  Mueller was credited with four.  Barragy led the team in steals with two.

Senior starter Emily Snelling was out of the line-up with an injury.

Free throw shooting was the Lions’ nemesis in the game, as they made just five of 17 attempts.

“Little things cost us this game,” added Coach Smith.  “Missing free throws, rebounding, and bad decision making are very important parts of the game you want be good at.  The good thing is we have 20 more games to get where we want to be.”