Clear Lake Falconhoops

Hightower  49 - Clear Lake 46         

Tuesday night Clear Lake faced one of their biggest challenges of the season, #14 (state ranked) Hightower. That is not to say that Clear Lake has had an easy schedule, but never this season have they played a team quite on Hightower’s level. It is widely known that their second leading scorer is NBA journeyman and 2007 NBA Dunk contest winner Gerald Green’s brother, Garlon Green. This is the second year in a row that the Falcons played the Hightower Hurricanes in the Bi-District round of the playoffs. Things would get interesting this year.          

Clear Lake started the game feeding their leading scorer, senior Kyle Ashton who scored 12 of his team’s 17 first quarter points. The Falcons tied the game up at 15 near the end of the quarter on a three by Ashton. Kyle wasn’t finished yet, he took the ball to the basket as time was winding down in the quarter and dropped in a lay-up for the Falcons first lead of the game. Clear Lake was beating #2 (Greater Houston ranked) Hightower 17-15 after the first period.          

The second period took on a much slower pace. With defense apparently high on the coaches’ agenda for this quarter, points were tough to come by. Ashton started off the quarter scoring four more points to give him 16 at the half. Matt McCollum drilled a three pointer with a minute before halftime to put Lake in the lead 24-21 going into the locker room.         

Clear Lake came out of the half with fire and emotion. Jacob Horton, who was being swarmed the entire game and not allowed even the thought of an open look, finally got loose late in the third quarter. Horton hit two straight three point shots to fire up the Clear Lake stands. Horton’s pair of shots put Lake up by four points with 1:32 left in the third quarter. After the pair of deep buckets by Jacob, Hightower went on a 9-0 run at the end of the quarter and into the fourth.         

Clear Lake needed a few stops and some buckets to get the lead back. Kyle Ashton and Jacob Horton answered the bell just like they had done all season. A three by Horton and a lay-up by Ashton tied the game at 40 apiece with 3:12 remaining in the game. Daryell Taylor, Hightower’s leading scorer, answered the Falcons’ comeback with a deep three and a free throw jumper. The pair of baskets was the final blow to Clear Lake’s bid for one of the greatest upsets in Clear Lake High School Basketball History. Hightower edged out Clear Lake 46-49.         

You never want to end the season with the loss but the Falcons have to remember that only one team in the entire state gets that privilege. Clear Lake showed why you play the game. Many fans and onlookers felt this game was supposed to be an easy win for Hightower. The Hurricanes were very nearly sent home early. Clear Lake did not get the victory tonight but they sure didn’t miss it by much.          

This year has been an amazing season with tons of low points but just as many high points. The Falcons were a fun team to watch all season just knowing they had the potential to break out in a three point barrage at any time. Being one of the smallest teams Clear Lake has ever had and still playing as well as they did. Clear Lake seemed to have to overcome more than usual to become the basketball team they are. I enjoyed every single game this season. I don’t think I am alone when I say I will miss Clear Lake Basketball.         

Martin Dehlinger

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Mark McCollum  6

Kyle Ashton  20 (10 rebounds, 1 CD)

Matt McCollum  9 (5 assists)

Jacob Horton  9

Jared Miller  2 (5 rebounds, 1 CD)