Clear Lake Falconhoops

CCISD Classic Dec 2, 2004 Game 1 vs. Klein Oak This afternoon in the first round of play in the CCISD Classic Tournament Clear Lake met a noticeably less talented team when they faced Klein Oak. The right Clear Lake team showed up to play this game and the contrast between how well they played today versus how they played in their previous outing was quite noticeable. The team knew they had to play harder today and they did. Teamwork was evident and it paid off. Even though Lake did not play as well as they can play, this game was Lake all the way. Adding Lee Mazurek to the mix certainly helped. Back from a bout of illness, Mazurek’s speed and shooting noticeably boosted the team. Mazurek went 6 of 8 from the field and scored 13 points. Key rebounds and some quick, sharp passes from Lee that led to scoring by his teammates also helped. Lake's big man, Mark Murphy, still not quite recovered from a bout with the crud that is going around, had an excellent showing. His intensity and focus on his duties shone through over noticeably less talented opposition. The Falcons knew soon after the opening whistle they were a better basketball team than Klein Oak but they played with drive and determination above what might be required to win the game. Despite that, Murphy’s intensity and determination stood out. Filling in for Brandon Wynn, who is out with an injured ankle, was guard Andy Leveque, who was moved up from the JV. Leveque put on such a dazzling display against the Baytown Sterling JV in the previous game Tuesday, it was hard for anyone to question why he was moved up. In this game, Andy sparked his team each time he was on the court with his all-out hustle during every second the clock ticked. Leveque scored 5 points in his first varsity outing. Jordan Vilarreal also had a good outing. The highlight of the game was Jordan crossing the midcourt line and launching a “hail Mary” as time expired in the first quarter. As the crowd held their collective breath hoping for one of those rare shots that go in, you could hear the sound the cord in the net made as the ball swished through. Jordan trotted off the court like it was business as usual. At the end of the first quarter it was 23-9 in favor of Clear Lake. In the second quarter it was more of the same with Clear Lake increasing their margin of victory to 35-17 by the close of the first half. Gordon Abner was his usual, impressive self. He went 5 of 8 on two points shots, two of three from three point land, and a perfect 3 for 3 from the free throw line. Abner led all scorers with 19 points. The final score was 70-50. This was a good win for the Falcons. Not the kind of game where you improve your skills much as a team but a “feel good” win none the less. A win the team needed right now. Scoring for the Falcons: Gordon Abner 19, Mark Murphy 15, Lee Mazurek 13, Jordan Villarreal 7, Armie Lewis 7, Andy Leveque 5, Kendrell Thompson 2, Justin Kurtz 2. 2’s: 24 of 40 (60%) 3’s: 4 of 12 (33%) Free throws: 10 of 15 (67%) For more pictures, see the Falcons on the Court page.