Clear Lake Falconhoops

The game was about like you would expect an Alvin game to be. With their record of no wins and 5 losses in district play (15-12 overall), Alvin needed a minor miracle to even play up to the level that Clear Lake plays on. In last place in the district 24-5A race, Alvin is a two trick pony, meaning they only really have two players who would be expected to seriously compete with teams like Clear Lake. Justin Ledet, one of those tricks was there and scored 26 points against Lake. The other trick was being punished for being late to a practice and was not allowed to play so Alvin was playing at an even greater disadvantage than usual.

This game was over by midway through the first quarter. It was clear that Lake would have their way with the outmanned Yellow Jackets. The fans were treated to some displays of Clear Lake athletic ability and there were several examples of how unselfish each team member is. Other than a confidence builder and an opportunity to improve the team and individual stats, it was barely a scrimmage.


Individual Scoring:
Armie Lewis 20 , Kendrell Thompson 20, RJ Turner 11 (5 assists),
Christian Enriquez 8, Jimmy Witten 8 (6 assists, 9 rebounds), Anthony Bilcic 7, Andrew Gorie 4, Cody Kinsey 2

FALCON STATS	FG made	FG attempts	%
2's	21	40	52.5%
3's	12	27	83.3%
free throws	7	8	87.5%

SCORE BY QUARTER	1	2	3	4
Clear Lake	22	45	64	85
Alvin	11	26	41	55

LINESCORE	1	2	3	4	Final
Clear Lake	22	23	19	19	85
Alvin	11	15	15	14	55

REBOUNDS	LAKE	THEM
Offensive	12	11
Defensive	11	13

Clear Lake 60 – Clear Brook 44

One of the most surprising games Clear Lake has played this season was the first round contest in the Clear Brook gym. After a stellar performance in the tournament in San Diego, Lake’s let-down display against Brook in the first game of the new year was anything but stellar during most of the game. Lake required an overtime period to defeat the Wolverines so the outcome of tonight’s game had to be questionable in some minds.

Now in the second round of District action, the Falcons set the record straight with a 60-44 victory to erase any doubt about which is the better team. But the outcome of the game was not at all one-sided in the first two quarters of the outing. Clear Brook played very well. Despite the cloud of an alleged holiday hazing incident by the Brook Varsity and the just-resolved exoneration of the Brook squad and head coach Jason Pillow, they were focused and relaxed as they out shot and out rebounded most of the shorter Lake squad to keep it close in the first half.

In the first quarter Jimmy “The Warrior” Witten started things off right by scoring the first two baskets of the evening. This would be a preview of another outstanding performance by Witten as he outsmarted his opponents on both ends of the court throughout most of the game. “The Warrior” had 11 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals which had to impress UT Dallas head coach Terry Butterfield here to witness Witten et al in action. Combine Witten’s efforts with another superb offensive display by “The Man” Kendrell Thompson, and Clear Brook never really had a chance unless they shot the lights out (which they started out like they would). The game was close throughout the first quarter with Lake holding a slight advantage until Brook grabbed the lead 13-14 with 1:03 remaining in the period.

Fifteen seconds into the second quarter a three and a free throw by Kendrell put Lake back in the lead 17-14. With 5:33 remaining in the quarter Armie Lewis found RJ Turner with an open pass on the right side of the hoop. RJ’s basket made it 19-14. Brook closed the gap and took the lead 20-21 on some free throws with 3:53 left before a hard earned basket and a free throw by Jimmy made it 23-21. Although the Wolverines would keep it close, the Falcons would not relinquish the lead again from this point. On the next possession Jimmy came down with a defensive rebound, dribbled the length of the court to the Lake free throw line, and passed to Kendrell on the left side of the basket. Brook had to foul to stop Kendrell. A single free throw by Kendrell and then a basket by Brook made it 24-22, still closer than it should be. Next, a wonderful scoring play by Lake started with a steal by Anthony Bilcic who passed off to Jimmy. Jimmy passed the full length of the court past Armie. Armie raced from behind the ball and as the ball was about to go out of bounds Armie grabbed it and made an off balance attempt as he was falling out of bounds to his right. Nothing but net. Another basket by Armie and a basket by Brook made it 28-24. With time running out in the half, Lake in-bounded the ball to Jimmy at mid-court. As Jimmy advanced the ball from mid-court directly toward the goal and the Brook defense converged on Jimmy, he passed to Kendrell as he drove in from the left side for a beautifully executed lay-up at the buzzer to close the quarter at 30-24. Still too close.

What should have happened in the second half is Lake should have come out and dominated the game due to increased defensive pressure along with improved offense. That is exactly what happened although the dominance was a long way from total. At the start of the quarter after a Brook free throw and a basket by Armie, Kendrell got a rebound, drove the length of the court, and made another graceful, crowd pleasing layup to make it 34-25 as he was fouled. For this ole timer, visions of Clyde Drexler when he was in high school began to creep out of the cobwebs of my mind. Kendrell’s free throw put Lake up by 10 for the first time, 35-25. Another basket and two free throws by Kendrell made it 39-27. Heads up play by Cody Kinsey enabled a steal so Cody passed to Andrew Gorie for a basket to make it 41-29. Another heads-up play by Fulton Brisco for a basket made it 43-29. A Brook goal closed the quarter at 43-31. The foul count was 6 (Lake) and 2.

In the final quarter, free throws by Brook narrowed the gap to 10, 45-35. Lake’s first five points came off free throws to make it 48-37 as Brook increased their fouling when Lake went to the hoop. Several “no calls” by the two junior officials and one senior ref hurt Lake in the second half or the score would have been even greater for Lake. A basket by Kendrell made it 50-37. A goal by Fulton on a quick drive to the basket from the left side made it 52-37. Then RJ stole the ball and drove from half court to score and make it 54-37. With just over one minute remaining in the game, a trey by Armie and a Brook bucket made it 57-39. Kendrell nailed his final three to make it 60-41. With 28 seconds remaining Brook nailed a three for the final score of 60-44.

FYI: For the first time at a Clear Lake High School basketball game, both the Brook JV coach and the Brook head coach were Clear Lake alumni and former Lake basketball stars. In addition, Brook JV coach Patrick McCoy and his wife had their first child on Tuesday evening while Lake was defeating Galveston Ball. Mom and baby are doing fine. Text messaging can be wonderful sometimes.

Individual Scoring:
Kendrell Thompson 24, Armie Lewis 11,
Jimmy Witten 9 (11 rebounds, 4 assists), Fulton Brisco 8, RJ Turner 5 (4 assists), Andrew Gorie 2, Anthony Bilcic 1

FALCON STATS	FG made	FG attempts	%
2's	17	42	40.5%
3's	4	17	23.5%
free throws	14	19	73.7%

SCORE BY QUARTER	1	2	3	4
Clear Lake	13	30	43	60
Clear Brook	14	24	31	44

LINESCORE	1	2	3	4	Final
Clear Lake	13	17	13	17	60
Clear Brook	14	10	7	13	44

REBOUNDS	LAKE	THEM
Offensive	8	10
Defensive	15	16

The Clear Lake Falcons Boys Varsity traveled to San Diego, California, to play in the 17th annual Torrey Pines Holiday Classic Tournament. Not only is Torrey Pines High School known as one of the top academic schools in the country and for having a campus used in many movies (for a high school campus loaded with Valley girls), but they are also renowned for hosting a premier basketball tournament. Unsurpassed in scenery, weather, the physical plant, and the quality of the high school basketball, Torrey Pines is located in the second richest zip code in the USA. With fifty-eight teams in four divisions, the invitational tournament was spread across four school campuses. The National Division was comprised of ranked schools from Canada, California, Utah, Washington, Louisiana, New York, and Texas. The host school was the headquarters gym for the National Division. Clear Lake scored the most points scored by a team in any division when they defeated Luezinger High School (Lawndale, Ca.) 96-85 in the opening round. The Falcons shot 68% from the field after a five day UIL imposed blackout which prevents any practices or games at Christmas (through December 26 this year). In the second round the Falcons prevailed over the #3 team in Louisiana, Christian Life Academy 56-50. In the semifinals Clear Lake lost a heartbreaker in the last two seconds to Compton Dominguez High School 66-64. The game was tied five times and the Falcons trailed only once in the contest. Dominguez is ranked #13 in the state of California in 5A and last year they were ranked #17 in the nation by more than one ranking. Dominguez alums in the NBA include Tyson Chandler and Tayshaun Prince. In the third place game on the final night of the tournament, Clear Lake upset the #2 ranked team in Canada, Eastern Commerce Collegiate Institute by a score of 62-56. The Falcons never trailed in the game. In the championship game #11 state ranked Jesuit High School (Carmichael, Ca.) won the coveted trophy by defeating Compton Dominguez 63-56. For a detailed description of each game, see the articles on the Falcon Flashes Page.

Summary of 2006 Torrey Pines Holiday Classic Basketball Tournament

The Clear Lake Falcons Boys Varsity traveled to San Diego, California, to play in the 17th annual Torrey Pines Holiday Classic Tournament. Not only is Torrey Pines High School known as one of the top academic schools in the country and for having a campus used in many movies (for a high school campus loaded with Valley girls), but they are also renowned for hosting a premier basketball tournament. Unsurpassed in scenery, weather, the physical plant, and the quality of the high school basketball, Torrey Pines is located in the second richest zip code in the USA.

With fifty-eight teams in four divisions, the invitational tournament was spread across four school campuses. The National Division was comprised of ranked schools from Canada, California, Utah, Washington, Louisiana, New York, and Texas. The host school was the headquarters gym for the National Division.

Clear Lake scored the most points scored by a team in any division when they defeated Luezinger High School (Lawndale, Ca.) 96-85 in the opening round. The Falcons shot 68% from the field after a five day UIL imposed blackout which prevents any practices or games at Christmas (through December 26 this year).

In the second round the Falcons prevailed over the #3 team in Louisiana, Christian Life Academy 56-50.

In the semifinals Clear Lake lost a heartbreaker in the last two seconds to Compton Dominguez High School 66-64. The game was tied five times and the Falcons trailed only once in the contest.

Dominguez is ranked #13 in the state of California in 5A and last year they were ranked #17 in the nation by more than one ranking. Dominguez alums in the NBA include Tyson Chandler and Tayshaun Prince.

In the third place game on the final night of the tournament, Clear Lake upset the #2 ranked team in Canada, Eastern Commerce Collegiate Institute by a score of 62-56. The Falcons never trailed in the game.

In the championship game #11 state ranked Jesuit High School (Carmichael, Ca.) won the coveted trophy by defeating Compton Dominguez 63-56.

For a detailed description of each game,see the articles on the Falcon Flashes Page.

Falcons Take Third in Tournament with Upset Over #2 Team in Canada

At 6:40 p.m. Friday night in the Torrey Pines High School gym the Clear Lake Falcons faced the Eastern Commerce Collegiate Institute Saints from Toronto, Canada in the third place game of the Torrey Pines Holiday Prep Classic Tournament in San Diego. The Saints brought a record of 18-2 into the gym and are ranked #2 in the nation in Canada. Some prognosticators had projected the Saints to win the Tournament.

It was another close, thrilling basketball game with ties early and late in the game and the outcome was not evident until the last fifty seconds of the contest. The Falcons never trailed in the game and Lake’s largest lead was 9 points with just over three minutes left in the game. The scoreboard displayed a much narrower margin throughout most of the game though.

Just as we had in every game in the tournament, Clear Lake took an early lead after the first couple of baskets. Jimmy Witten scored on a put back to break the ice and Armie Lewis shot a two from the three point line. The boys were working really hard on their man-to-man defense and finally got on track offensively despite successive turnovers by Lake early on. With 4:30 remaining in the first quarter the score was 0-4, Lake up by two goals. It was tied at 4 at the 3:47 mark before Kendrell Thompson drained his first three. Thompson scored six treys in the game as he went 6 for 10 from beyond the arc. With 3 minutes left in the quarter RJ Turner nailed a three to bring the score to 6-10, Lake up by 4. Lake’s defense looked sloppy at times with the Saints baskets coming too easily. This team did not appear to be as tough as the Dominguez team from last night who dealt Lake their only loss of the tournament with a last second basket. With 1:37 left Kendrell hit his second three to make it 6-13. A third three by Kendrell and a putback basket by RJ on a rebound from a missed three by Kendrell closed the quarter with the score 15-18 as Eastern CCI nailed a trey at the buzzer to bring their score to 15.

The second quarter started off right when Jimmy Witten hit a 14 foot jumper on an assist from Armie Lewis (9 assists total). Eastern retaliated with a three before Kendrell nailed a trey from the right corner to make it 17-23. A basket by Eastern put it at 19-23 at the 5:00 mark. Jimmy put Lake up by 6 when he toughed out a hard earned basket from underneath. A Christian Enriquez jumper from twelve feet away on the right wing from a feed by Andrew Gorie made it 19-27, the largest lead of the game. Fulton Brisco made the second of two free throws and another basket to bring it to 23-30. After a quick basket by Eastern, a bad pass by Kendrell allowed them to close out the quarter at 27-30 after they made two free throws from a foul by Fulton to prevent a bucket. Lake’s offense was good in the first half but the defense was weak at times. All of the teams in the tournament usually brought the ball down the court faster than Lake. This was probably due to Lake’s not being accustomed to playing with a shot clock. Only three times in four games was the shot clock a problem for Lake.

The third quarter saw Eastern tie the game at 30 at the 7:08 mark as the excitement continued. Fifteen seconds later Armie dribbled into the paint, jumped up and kicked it out to Kendrell on the wing. Kendrell nailed a three from the left side to make it 30-33. Two free throws by Armie put Lake up by 5 before Eastern scored two buckets to narrow the gap to 1 at the 5:12 mark. Anthony Bicic entered the game at this point, immediately nailed a three to make it 34-38, and then got a steal with 4:25 remaining. A quick basket by Eastern makes it 36-38 at the halfway point in the quarter. Eastern was scoring easily but Lake’s offense was very good too. Kendrell scored a trey and an Eastern basket made it 39-41 at the 3:15 mark. Armie to Kendrell for a trey made it 39-44 after an Eastern timeout. A free throw by Jimmy after he was fouled under the basket made it 39-45. Eastern scored then Armie drove  down the center of the court, stopped and popped at the free throw line to make it 41-47. The foul count at the end of the third quarter was 2 and 0. Another Eastern bucket made it 43-47, still too close for comfort.

Two free throws by Eastern make it 43-47 and Lake called timeout at the 6:35 mark. A basket by Jimmy, then, on an Eastern miss, RJ rebounded, drove the length of the court , fed to Jimmy who made it 45-51 at the 4:15 mark. Kendrell’s assist to RJ for a three from the corner made it 45-54, Lake up by 9 and the largest lead of the game with just over three minutes remaining. Two basket by Eastern and then an astonishing, uncontested basket by Eastern as it looked like Clear Lake had their feet nailed to the floor when Eastern  inbounded the ball made it 51-54. Another Eastern basket makes it 53-54. Armie, after dribbling around for awhile lulled the defense to sleep, found Fulton alone under the basket. Fulton scored a quick two, 53-56. With 56 seconds remaining Armie did the exact same thing again. He found Fulton hiding out under the basket. A pinpoint pass to Fulton for a quick two by Brisco, 53-58. Eastern called their final timeout with 44.8 seconds remaining. The foul count was at 3 and 4. Eastern nailed a quick trey to make it 56-58. With 22 seconds remaining we called timeout as a result of not being able to inbound the ball. Eastern was forced to foul about three times in six seconds before the one-and-one took  effect and Armie makes both free throws to make it 56-60. On their inbound pass Armie stole the ball and passed to RJ for a basket. The clock expired. 56-62, Lake wins third place in the National Division. Quite an accomplishment.

Armie Lewis and Kendrell Thompson were selected for the All Tournament Team.

Against competition ranked on both the state and national level, the Falcons played impressive basketball that got the attention of many of the basketball aficionados in the gym. The Lake squad made us proud as they represented their school in a most impressive manner. They scored more points in a single game (96 points, 71% from the field) than any team in the tournament. They were among the few unknown teams at the start of the tournament but everyone knew who they were by the end of the tournament. Disciplined team basketball with few offensive mistakes was their hallmark. Considering the level of the competition and the quality of the basketball being played, I do not know how we could be more proud of the way our Clear Lake Varsity played in this tournament.

Individual Scoring:
Kendrell Thompson 18, Jimmy Witten 11 (8 rebounds), RJ Turner 10 (7 rebounds),
Fulton Brisco 9 (5 rebounds), Armie Lewis 6 (5 rebounds, 9 assists), Anthony Bilcic 6, Christian Enriquez 2

FALCON STATS	FG made	FG attempts	%
2's	13	39	33.4%
3's	10	19	52.6%
free throws	6	8	75.0%

SCORE BY QUARTER	1	2	3	4
Clear Lake	18	30	47	62
Eastern CCI	15	27	43	56

LINESCORE	1	2	3	4	Final
Clear Lake	18	12	17	15	62
Eastern CCI	15	12	16	13	56

REBOUNDS	LAKE	THEM
Offensive	10
Defensive	20