by Marianne Gasaway
With wins over Webster City and Hampton-Dumont-CAL last week, the Clear Lake girls remain unbeaten in North Central Conference play.
The Lions (12-2, 8-0) were slated to host Clarion-Goldfield-Dows (7-8, 5-4) Tuesday, Jan. 24, and will be at winless St. Ed’s Friday.
CL 61, Webster City 27
The Lions held Webster City to single digit scoring in each quarter and spread scoring among eight players on their way to a 61-27 victory Tuesday, Jan. 17.
“We continue to do a good job getting the ball where it needs to be. Whether that’s inside to the post, making an extra pass for three, or a guard attacking the rim. Our girls are doing a good job making smart decisions on the offensive end,” said Coach Bart Smith. “Defensively, we continue to defend well in man and zone. It’s good to have a couple defenses to throw at our opponents that we can rely on if needed.”
Webster City’s girls entered with a record of 3-10 and 1-6 in conference play. They were not up to the challenge of matching the Lions’ fire power.
Clear Lake led 33-15 at the half and 51-18 heading into the final period.
Jordan Mayland led the Lions with 15-points, five assists and four steals. She was followed by Ayla Johnson with 12 points.
Madi Ott came off the bench and contributed nine-points, as well as seven rebounds. Reese Brownlee, Brooklyn Eden and Xada Johnson had six-points apiece. Carsyn Holland added five and Rahela Luyobya scored two.
Xada Johnson was the team leader on the boards with seven rebounds.
The Lions recorded 18 steals in the game.
CL 65, H-D-CAL 23
A strong second half helped the Lions to pull away from a scrappy Hampton-Dumont-CAL team Friday. Clear Lake improved to 8-0 in the NCC with a 65-23 victory.
“Hampton (2-12) is one of the most improved teams we have seen in the second round of conference play,” said Coach Smith. “They play hard and create turnovers. Our decision making wasn’t the sharpest tonight but we regrouped in the second half and we were able to start making better decisions which turned into being efficient on offense.”
The Bulldogs played even with the Lions in the first quarter, 11-11. But as the game progressed, the Lions found their footing and pulled away.
“It was good to be back in front of our home crowd. We have a great fan base here in Clear Lake and they were on full display tonight,” added Smith.
The Lions were a scoring threat both inside and out, as Xada Johnson put in 19-points from the paint, while Reese Brownlee lit it up outside. Brownlee made every shot she put up, including a three-pointer and two free throws, for a total of 15 points. Johnson was also seven-for-seven from the field, but was five-for-seven at the free-throw line.
Ayla Johnson added nine points, Jordan Mayland seven and Brooklyn Eden had six.
Bench contributors included Madi Ott with four-points, Carsyn Holland three, and Annika Nelson with two.
