Overtime loss for Lions

    The Clear Lake boys basketball team were handed a 55-50 overtime loss by Iowa Falls-Alden Friday, Dec. 21.  The defeat dropped the Lions’ record to 4-3 overall and 4-3 in the North Central Conference.
    The Lions dug themselves a hole early, falling behind 19-11 at the end of the first quarter.  After the slow start, the two teams played a more even game, but turnovers and missed free throws plaques the Lions’ effort.
    “We got down early, but we were able to come back and play them even for three quarters,”  said Coach Kevin Kahler.
    In fact the Lions pulled within one, 28-27, by the halftime break.  The team were knotted at 37-37 at the end of three quarters and each scored just 10 points in the fourth period.
    Lion turnovers gave the Cadets extra opportunities to score in the overtime period.  Those, combined with cold shooting from the charity stripe, gave the visitors the edge.  The Lions finished the night shooting just 16/26 from the free throw line.
     “If we could have gotten a few more of them to fall, things might have been different,” said Coach Kahler.  “It’s tough because it’s a game we probably could have had.  Holding them to 55 is a pretty good defensive effort.  We just had too many breakdowns offensively.”
    The Lions demonstrated even scoring in the game, with Jared Sholly, Sean McChesney and Justin Uhlenhopp each putting in 12 points.  Sholly and McChesney also had four rebounds apiece, and McChesney recorded three blocks.   Sholly and Uhlenhopp each handed out four assists.
    Zach Monson had a double-double night, scoring 10 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.  Charlie Peterson rounded out the offensive effort with four points and three assists.  He also had three rebounds.
    The Lions will be looking to get back in the win column when they return to action in a non-conference matchup Saturday, Jan. 5, at Forest City.