Clear Lake Falconhoops

Clear Lake 62 - Midland Lee 52

The previous game's article incorrectly reported  Lake's Friday game would be against El Paso Andress. Lake actually played Midland Lee. That's what happens when you try to watch the Texas Longhorns vs. Arizona State in a Bowl game at the same time you try to write about basketball late in the evening.

The game against Midland Lee was the kind of game that coaches really hope for from a worthy opponent in pre-district play - two well matched teams each capable of defeating the other if they play up to their potential.  Clear Lake did not play their best ball but the team played well and good enough to stay even in three quarters as they outplayed the Rebels in the third quarter by a margin of ten points to allow a victory in the second round of the tournament. 

The Falcons played good team basketball, did well rebounding most of the time, did a satisfactory job with shot selection despite poor shooting from the field, and an absolutely outstanding job of free throw shooting (21 of 23!). Almost consistently solid defense due to hard work helped too. Turnovers were still a problem (19) as Nick Arrington’s absence was again felt. Jason Hollis had an outstanding game and Mark McCollum looked liked his old self as he made a major contribution on both ends of the court.   

The game was tied seven times in the first half and knotted at 34 at half time. Half time corrections in the locker room seemed to make the difference though as the Falcons noticeably outplayed their opponents with better play inside (5 of 7) to compensate for poor shooting from outside (1 of 6) in the third quarter. Lake never trailed in the second half but the margin felt slim as the Falcons eased up to a ten point lead by the end of three.    

At the start of the fourth quarter Clear Lake scored their only basket of the period to make it 52-43. Superb free throw shooting throughout the fourth quarter (10 of 10) assured the victory. Cody was 6 for 6 from the charity stripe in the fourth quarter and every player scored in the game

This game was a beneficial contest that will certainly aid in preparation for district play. The boys were treated to a well deserved trip to Outback Steakhouse for their efforts.

The Falcons face Amarillo High School Saturday at 1:45 p.m. in the Consolation Championship game.  

Photos for this game can be found at http://picasaweb.google.com/falconhoops200708  by January 2, 2008

Individual Scoring:

Cody 16 (9 of 9 free throws), Mark 12 (7 rebounds, 3 steals),

Kyle 8 (6 rebounds, 5 in 2nd quarter), Andrew 7,  Jay 5, Steve 4, Brian 4, Jason 2 (6 assists, 4 rebs., 1 blocked shot, 1 charge taken), Jacob 2, Kevin 2

Nick out with injury