Lions hold ground for two more big wins

(Above) Clear Lake’s Joe Faber looks to make a pass during the game against Iowa Falls-Alden.  Faber finished the night with six points. -Reporter photo by Chris Barragy

by Marianne Gasaway

When you’re on top, everybody ups their game to knock you off.  The Clear Lake boys held their ground in two tough games last week, improving to 16-1 overall and 10-1 in the North Central Conference.  It’s a busy week for the Lions, as they make-up games postponed due to inclement weather and finish out the regular season.  

The Lions traveled to Algona Monday and Webster City Tuesday, Feb. 9.  They’re off on Wednesday and Thursday, but will be back in action Friday hosting Algona.  Saturday they will play their final regular season game at Garner-Hayfield-Ventura at 1:30 p.m.  

Class 3A post-season brackets will be released by the Iowa High School Athletic Association today (Feb. 10).

CL 72, IF-A 44

Coach Jeremey Ainley calls Iowa Falls-Alden a dangerous team with a couple of really good players.

“We knew we would have to come out ready to play from the start and we came out and attacked their defenses designed to stop our two leading scorers,” said the coach.  

Point guard Travaughn Luyobya got to the rim and guard Jagger Schmitt hit a three-pointer to help the Lions race out to a 21-0 lead to start the game.  After that, the Lions never let doubt enter into their minds.  

“In the second quarter we got caught up a little in a back-and-forth game and let them get some second shots and open looks and they were able to cut it to a 41-27 lead,” continued Ainley.  “After refocusing a little at the half and getting a couple things cleaned up, we dominated the third quarter”

The Lions outscored the Cadets 17-2 in the third and built a sizable cushion to cruise to a 72-44 win.  

“It was a great overall team victory -- we had a lot of great contributions,” said Ainley.

Carson Toebe led the way with 15 points and nine assists.  Andrew Formanek put in 12 points and had 16 rebounds.  Eric Ritter also scored  12.  Luyobya finished with 11 points and six assists and Schmitt added seven points.  Joe Faber provided good support with six points. 

“Overall just a great team victory -- everybody that played contributed in a big way,” said Ainley.

CL 65, St. Ed’s 52

The Lions were on the road Friday night to Fort Dodge St. Edmond.  Another quick start helped the team to a 65-52 victory.

St. Ed’s is always a difficult place to play.  We knew we would have to have a great effort,” said Coach Ainley.

The Lions jumped out to a 9-0 start and after one quarter were leading, 18-6.  

“Things were a little too easy and unfortunately, some silly fouls by us allowed them to hang around and only have a 10 point lead (at the half).

The Gaels hit some big shots and timely three-pointers to hang around in the second half, but ultimately the Lions recorded a comfortable 13 point win.

“But we needed to be a little sharper,” Ainley added.

Carson Toebe again led the Lions in scoring with 22 points and seven assists.  Eric Ritter had a good overall game with 19 points, seven rebounds and four blocks.  Andrew Formanek was straddled with some foul trouble, but added 12 points and 10 rebounds.  The remainder of the scoring came from Joe Faber, with four and Jagger Schmitt and Noah Peterson with two points apiece.