The Clear Lake girls won their 31st straight North Central Conference game with a 48-36 victory over Algona Tuesday, Dec. 20. The win puts the Lions at 4-0 in the league and 5-2 overall heading into the Christmas break.
“This was a big win right before break for us,” said Head Coach Bart Smith. “It keeps us at the top of the conference with a one game advantage over Algona and Humboldt.”
The coach said the outing wasn’t the complete game his team is working toward, but the Lions are continuing to progress heading into 2023.
“Our first half was really good and we were able to set the tone with our full court pressure,” said Smith, whose team held a 26-8 lead at halftime.
The Bulldogs improved their offensive output in the second half and outscored the Lions in the third and fourth periods to narrow the gap.
Xada Johnson led the way for the Lions with 14-points and 10 rebounds.
“Xada had another double double for our team and continues to show her dominance as someone teams have to prepare for,” said Coach Smith. “Our other girls made some key contributions, as well. Annika Nelson and Ayla Johnson connected to end the 8-0 run Algona made in the middle of the fourth. Brooklynn Eden and Reese Brownlee defended well late and Jordan Mayland made some free throws at the end to seal the victory.”
Mayland also finished in double figures with 12 points and a team-high six steals.
Eden and Brownlee had six points apiece, while Carsyn Holland added five and Ayla Johnson scored three.
The Lions are now on break until Tuesday, Jan. 3, when they will host St. Edmond.
