Clear Lake boys challenged in busy week, go to 15-1

(Above) Clear Lake’s Jett Neuberger draws a crowd as he works to put up a shot in the paint against West Fork in a non-conference matchup last week. -Reporter photo by Chris Barragy.

by Marianne Gasaway

The week had a little of everything for the Clear Lake boys basketball team— a team on a win streak, a team with great tradition, and a team they had beaten handily the first time.  The Lions are now 15-1 overall and lead the North Central Conference with a record of 8-1.  Next week they will take on Algona (6-2, 9-5) in a game of conference title ramifications.  Algona is currently in second place in the league with a 6-2 record.  Prior to that game, they are at St. Ed’s Friday and at Webster City Tuesday.

CL 89, C-G-D 78

The Lions prevailed in a shoot-out with Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Tuesday, Jan. 28, 89-78.

“Clarion had won six straight coming into the game and we knew they were playing with a lot of confidence,” said Clear Lake Coach Jeremey Ainley.

The Lions did their best to stifle the Cowboys early on.  Clear Lake got off to a great start on offense and controlled the paint to start game and build a 19-12 first quarter lead.  

“In the second quarter we continued to score, but kind or let our guard down on defense to only lead 44-36 at half,” said Ainley.

Continued offensive efficiency got the Lions back on track in the second half.  They were able to expand the lead to 20 at one point.  

“In the fourth quarter we just got in an offensive shootout that resembled a noon YMCA game and were able to win,” said Ainley.  “Overall, Andrew Formanek had an all-state performance with 28 points and 20 rebounds.”  

It was a career night for a pair of Lions. Jagger Schmitt had his best scoring game with 20 points.  Travaughn Luyobya also had a high with 16 points and nine assists.  

Carson Toebe was also in double figures with 13 points. Eric Ritter scored eight.  Joe Faber and Jett Neuberger had two points apiece.

“It was a nice win on the road in conference and nice to see some guys put the ball in the basket -- not so much for a defensive coach,” said Ainley.

CL 54, West Fork 45

West Fork has proven to be a traditionally tough matchup for the Lions over the years and Thursday night’s battle was true to form.  In the end, the Lions emerged with a 54-45 victory over the WarHawks.

“We knew it would be a great test -- they have almost their whole team back from a State qualifying team from last year and have been having  a great season this year so far,” said Coach Ainley.  “They came out and punched us in the mouth a little bit in the first quarter and led, 9-6.”

The coach admitted his team may have had some nerves playing in front of a lot more people than they have been used to this season. For the first time, a student section and more fans were admitted.

“The atmosphere felt a little more like Lions gym is supposed to!” he said.

Clear Lake got its offense going in the second quarter, thanks in part to Carson Toebe and Andrew Formanek hitting their stride.  The Lions took a 27-24 lead into halftime.

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That momentum continued into the third quarter, as the Lions outscored their opponent 13-10 and by the fourth they were able to build a 10-point lead.

“Credit West Fork though, they kept making shots to stay close,” added Ainley.  “In the end our big two just made plays like we have been accustomed to seeing them do.”

Formanek finished with 27 points and 15 rebounds.  “As amazing as that sounds, it is becoming a normal occurrence for him,” Ainley added.  Carson Toebe finished with 19 points.  

Center Eric Ritter only scored three points, but had eight rebounds and four blocks. Travaughn Luyobya also scored three and Jagger Schmitt had two points.

“It was a big game in a great atmosphere with the students providing a great crowd.  We are so thankful to our administration for continuing to allow more people in to watch us play and look forward to more people getting that chance hopefully soon,” said the coach.

CL 76, H-D-CAL 57

After a big win the night before, Coach Ainley said he wanted to see how his team would respond on the road against a scrappy team.  The Lions got out early, but did not play defense as effectively as he would have liked and had too many turnovers.  Still, Clear Lake earned a 76-57 win.

“We didn’t have everybody locked in and ready to go -- something we will handle before the next road back to back,” said Ainley.  

The Lions built the lead to six at half, 37-31, and in the third quarter pushed it to double digits before breaking the game open in the fourth.

Carson Toebe had a monster game with 35 points, eight rebounds and four assists.  Andrew Formanek had another great performance with 26 points and 12 rebounds. Eric Ritter was good with 10 points and six rebounds.  Joe Faber and Jett Neuberger each scored two points and Travaughn Luyobya added one.

“We need to continue to get better each night and be ready to play against anybody,” noted the coach.  “We need to get refocused a little on defense before our next stretch.”

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