Clear Lake Falconhoops

by Martin Dehlinger 

The 2009 Clear Lake Falcons Basketball season was a special one for a lot of reasons; the main one being the people in it. The Banquet is held every year to look back on all 5 teams’ success and also a sending off point for the seniors. This year, there were plenty of both. The Banquet was held at the new Endeavor Marina in the Admiral’s Ballroom, which was different than previous years. Usually the banquet was held at The Gilruth Center on Space Center Blvd. Needless to say this year had a different feel to it, with it being in a different and in my opinion a nicer facility. 

The night started off with the senior’s poster boards of pictures from their childhood to now. The five posters were quite a sight with things such as pictures with Calvin Murphy, pictures of Kyle dunking from a mountain and finished off with “J-Milla’s” Baby Pictures. As you finished checking out the posters you walked towards the beautiful lakeside view, which was set up with a table of all five teams accomplishments throughout the season.

As the players, friends and families began to settle into their tables, you noticed a huge screen playing a slideshow of the varsity team pictures throughout their career. The slide show was a great way to show what the team has gone through to get to the point they are at now. It was compiled by Brad Ashton, Kyle Ashton’s dad, who was not able to attend the banquet.

Coach McDonald stepped up to the podium and quieted everyone long enough to hear that Johnny Tamale’s was catering the event and was ready to be served. Shortly after everyone had their fajita plates overflowing, the crowd re-settled into their seats, and the Banquet began.

Coach Sanders commenced things by introducing his Freshman B team. His team won the district championship sporting a 17-10 season record, and an 8-6 district record. The B team also won the C.C.I.S.D. Tournament championship.

Coach Warner’s Group was next. This was the first year that Coach Warner led the Freshman A Team ( previously coaching the sophomores). The A team compiled a 23-7 overall record and a 14-0 district record. Coach Warner’s team brought home 2^nd place in the Santa Fe Tournament.

Following his former team, the Freshman A, Coach Gernander discussed his current team the sophomore team. His sophomores went an impressive 28-3 overall and 12-0 in district. Coach Gernander finished 2^nd in the Dobie and CCISD Tournament, They also finished 3rd in the Dobie Tournament.

Next up was the Junior Varsity team behind Coach Barker, his team finished with a 15-16 season record and an 8-6 district record. The JV brought home bronze in the Deer Park Tournament.

Lastly we had the Varsity team, a team that had its share of high and low points throughout the 2009 season. The Varsity team finished with a 22-13 overall record and a 9-5 district record. Clear Lake was defeated by Hightower in the bi-district round of the playoffs 46-49. If you had not seen a Clear Lake basketball game all season that would be the one to see. It had every aspect of the 2009 team jammed into 32 minutes of game time. There was senior leadership, undersized post men, deadly accurate shooting and at times poor shooting. This team was led by Coach Lynn McDonald, former Texas 5A Coach of the Year. This team did not accomplish all of what it set out to prior to this season, but they were a great team, that was just a shot here, or a rebound there, away from taking that next step.

After the Varsity team was recognized for their solid season, the Hall of Fame inductee was announced next. This man was the MVP of the 1989 Clear Lake State Championship team. He also still holds the Varsity record for three point field goals (9) in a single game and assists (14) in a single game. Tim Glover accepted the award from his former coach, Bill Kruger. Tim Glover is the 16^th member of the Clear Lake Basketball Hall Of Fame.  

Following the Hall of Fame was the team MVP award. This award not only shows statistical importance but also leadership. This year the award was shared between Kyle Ashton, who led the team in ppg and rebounding, and Nick Arrington. Nick is battling his on-going hip injury that has looked pretty bad at times. The award for Nick is an testament to how much the team needed Nick and realized his importance to the team. Kyle went out with a broken leg during the Lee College Classic, and the team never looked the same. Nick Arrington last year during his junior year was playing better than anyone, and it was sad to see his development stop due to injury. The award has only been shared 3 times before this year.

Last was the George Wang Hustle award, There was multiple candidates for this prestigious award. The winner was the unsung hero of the season, the floor general, the point guard. Matt McCollum accepted the award in his stylish (?) canary yellow suit jacket.

Overall the banquet was a great success; there was great food, a great facility and most of all a great reason to be there, Clear Lake Basketball 

2009 District 24-5A All District selections from Clear Lake High School:

First team: Kyle Ashton and Jacob Horton

Second team: Matt McCollum

Honorable mention: Mark McCollum

Announced at the Banquet:

- TEAM co-MVP's: Kyle Ashton and Nick Arrington

- George Wang Hustle Award: Matt McCollum

- 2009 Hall of Fame Inductee: Tim Glover

Clear Lake finished the season with a 22-13 record and a district record of  9-5 (4th place in district). 

JV final record: 16-15, 9-5 

Sophomores: 28-3, 14-0 (District Champs, undefeated in District play for 2 years) 

Freshman A Team record: District Champs, 22-7, 14-0 in district.

Freshman B team - 17-10, 8-6 district.