Two teams. Undefeated. Only one could go home with a continuing streak of wins, while the other would have their first loss of the season on their backs.
For the first time in four years, the CGD Cowboys prevailed in a thrilling matchup versus the Clear Lake Lions, defeating the Lions 49-39. Like many games, the players weren’t the only ones competing, it felt as if the fans started their own competition, with roars and cheers after each basket. But no matter how loud the crowd was, or how effective their hecklings were during free-throws, only one team would continue the undefeated streak.
Both teams tipped-off the match with impressive offense, but even better defense as the first quarter came to a close with a 7-4 lead for the Cowboys. After a timeout for the Cowboys with 4:51 left on the clock in the second quarter, the Lions tied it up, leveling the game 11-11. Both teams were so evenly matched during the first half, as every bucket made by the Cowboys was responded with another bucket from the Lions, and the same for the Cowboys as they responded to every bucket. Another timeout was called for the Cowboys in the second quarter. With 2:21 left on the clock, tied up again, 14-14, Coach Jason Berning gathered his team together before the end of the first half. When the Cowboys stepped foot on the court, they managed to end the second quarter scoring 11 points, however the Lions made up for the absence of points from the first quarter as they scored 15. The Lions ended the first half with a tight lead of 19-18 after SR Jaxon Carpenter’s added free-throw points, bringing them even closer to the Lions.
The first half was an absolute battle for the ball as each team was evenly matched. The third quarter, however, sealed the deal for the Cowboys. Hoping for a second half, just as exciting and electrifying from both teams, the Cowboys stole the show from the Lions, pounding 19 points, ten more than what the Lions delivered. The third quarter ended with a close, yet solid lead for the Cowboys, as they ended the third quarter 37-28.
“Finish!” yelled the Cowboys bench repeatedly as the clock ticked closer and closer to the end of the game. The Cowboys were just eight minutes away from a historical four year drought of wins over the Lions. The last three minutes summed up the entirety of the game perfectly, as it piled with points, turnovers, steals, and chanting from fans on both sides! The game ended after two timeouts were called within the last minute of the fourth quarter, and the Cowboys were the ones jumping triumphantly as the team united on the court together where they finally saw success over the Lions. It was a monumental night for the Cowboys, as their hope is to do the same next time around when they get to host the Lions. Tuesday night’s matchup saw SR Jaxon Carpenter stack up the points for CGD Cowboys, as he contributed 24 points and 13 rebounds with an assist, and three rebounds. SR Connor State delivered 10 points with 11 rebounds, along with two assists and a block. SR Cael Chase entered Tuesday night’s matchup powerfully as he immediately contributed points for the Cowboys, overall adding nine points to the scoreboard. SR Landon Olson delivered two points for the Cowboys with four rebounds, while SR Coady Olson delivered four points and a rebound.
February 16, 2017…59-43…that was the last time the Cowboys defeated the Lions…until December 14, 2021. “It was for sure an awesome feeling!” exclaimed SR Landon Olson, as he finished, “it was a moment that will last forever, that’s for sure!”
With stellar chemistry between the CGD Cowboys squad, Olson explains the team’s success so far this season explaining, “Most of us have been playing with each other since third grade and we all have such a tight friendship with one another…I feel that since we have that close bond we play better.” Olson confirmed the truth behind the sport, and sports in general, stating, “it isn’t a one man show!” The Cowboys will be seeking a 6-0 record by the end of the week as they are set to host Belmond-Klemme on Thursday, December 16, at 7:30 PM, and Friday, December 17, as they will host Iowa Falls-Alden at 7:30 PM.
