The Clear Lake boys kept their undefeated streak intact this season with a 77-48 victory over Algona Tuesday night, Dec. 20. The Lions (5-0) are one of three unbeatens in the North Central Conference heading into January. Humboldt and Iowa Falls-Alden are each 3-0 in the NCC, while the Lions are 2-0.
The seventh ranked Lions (3A) asserted themselves from the beginning against Algona. They rushed out to a 10-0 lead and never looked back, winning by 29.
“I thought we came out ready to go right from the start,” said Head Coach Jeremey Ainley. “We knew we had to contain their drivers and not give their shooters open looks and for the most part we did that.”
The Lion defense was also effective on the boards, pulling down 33 rebounds and forcing the Bulldogs into half court offense, which was the goal, according to Coach Ainley.
“Thomas Meyer gave us a big boost down low as a post threat, but also held one of their key guys to six points,” noted Ainley. Meyer led the team with 21 points.
Titan Schmitt and Cael Stephany continued to shoot it well from outside and guard at a high level. Schmitt had 17 points and Stephany finished with 16. Travaughn Luyobya did not have his best shooting night, but was also in double figures with 10 points and made an impact with 14 assists.
Ainley also praised the play of Ben Loge, who he said played a tremendous game all-around defensively and offensively. Loge had four points, four assists and block and team-high three steals.
Derek Erpelding and Dylan Litzel came off the bench to add five and four points respectively.
“Overall, it was great team win and something to build on after break,” said Ainley.
The Lions will kick off their 2023 campaign with a makeup game at home against St. Edmond on Jan. 3.
