by Marianne Gasaway
The Clear Lake boys basketball team wrapped up the regular season last week with a pair of lopsided wins. The Lions compiled a record of 20-1 overall this season. They were champions of the North Central Conference with a final record of 13-1.
CL 68, H-D-CAL 44
The Lions came out ready to go Tuesday, Feb. 14, and jumped to a 18-2 lead on their way to a 24-point win, 68-44.
“I thought we moved ball well and attacked the basket well,” said Clear Lake Coach Jeremey Ainley. “Thomas Meyer did a great job in the paint, scoring 18 points. Travaughn Luyobya was very efficient, scoring 17, and Ben Loge had a great game offensively and scored 12 points.”
The coach also liked what he saw defensively.
“I thought Titan Schmitt was really good defensively and on offense played a very unselfish game with six assists and zero turnovers,” added Ainley. Schmitt scored four.
“Overall, it was a good team win as season winds down.”
Also contributing to the Lions’ win was Cael Stephany with eight points. Gavin Anderson and Dylan Litzel each had four, and Trey Olthoff finished with one-point.
Meyer and Luyobya each had seven rebounds to lead the team.
CL 66, Ft. Dodge 27
Clear Lake tied the school record for wins in a regular season Thursday night. They racked up their 20th victory by surpassing Fort Dodge, 66-27.
“After first quarter I thought defensively we were really good — holding them to 22 percent shooting and only 27 points,” commented Coach Jeremey Ainley. “It was nice to get everybody in for Senior Night. It also was really nice to tie the school record for wins in a regular season at 20— something that is really hard to come by in high school basketball.”
Thomas Meyer led the way for the Lions. He controlled the paint and finished with 22 points and 11 rebounds.
Senior Travaughn Luyobya attacked the rim and put in 16 points. The remainder of the starting lineup included Cael Stephany with eight points and Ben Loge and Titan Schmitt with three apiece.
“Other guys like Dylan Litzel and Gavin Anderson continue to step up,” Coach Ainley noted. Litzel had six points and Anderson five. Braden Kuhlmeier scored two-points and LJ Bryant had one.
The number two ranked Lions (3A) are playing a a high level right now.
“Hopefully our guys are ready to make a deep run in the tournament,” said Ainley.
