Considering the varsity boys’ home loss to Madelia earlier in the season was a 105-54 blowout, an 88-73 loss in Madelia on Friday was a moral victory at least.
“It was a great effort, regardless of the difference in the score,” said head coach Mike Meyer.
With two losses to Mankato Loyola—one a forfeit and one by a basket—and a loss to Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City, Madelia came into the game with a 16-3 record. But the Clippers kept up for most of the ballgame.
After threes from Kale Kelley, Carson Lyons and Brennan Kortuem, and a Braeden Smith steal and shore-to-shore drive for a layup, the Clippers, who were coming off an 83-72 loss to host St. James Area the night before, were within five, 26-19.
After Kortuem put in a pair of free throws and a basket inside, and with two Lyons triples, the Clippers narrowed their deficit to a basket, 31-29.
But Smith, who was strong under Madelia’s basket with rebounds and blocks, took the bench with three fouls, and the Hawks scored the next dozen points. Kortuem ran in a pair of layups and sank two free throws from there, but the Clippers trailed 47-35 at the intermission.
They never threw on the towel though, and, refreshed after the break, scored 11 of the next 15 points. Smith got flagged for a fourth foul with 12 minutes left and his fifth four minutes later.
The Clippers kept battling though, but Kyle Connor fouled out with four and a half minutes left, and the Blackhawks scored what would be the winning basket about then.
“I wouldn't mind running into them during playoffs,” Meyer said. “I think we would do really well.”
With eight two-point baskets, a pair of threes and five freebies, Brennan Kortuem led the effort. Lyons had four threes and 24 total points. Kelly had nine points. Alex Kortuem put in a first-half three. Smith had a bucket in each half for four total points. Bode Bartell, Connor and Tanner Simonette each added a second-half basket.
The Clippers made seven threes and half of their 20 free throws. Madelia made six threes and 19 of 28 free throws.
While the game was fast and physical, the Clippers thought they might have gotten a few more calls their way. But they kept their composure, Meyer said, and for that he was also proud of them.
Against St. James Area the night before, the Clippers trailed the Saints 44-29 at the half.
With 30 points, 12 of them from triples, Brennan Kortuem led the effort. Smith put in four buckets and four of four free shots for 12 total points. Lyons had one three and 11 total points. Nine of Bartell’s 11 points came from three-point range. Kelley made three baskets for six total points. Simonette added a basket.
The Clippers made eight threes and all eight of their free throws while the Saints had nine threes and made eight of 11 free shots.
The Clippers went on to come back from a large deficit and beat West Lutheran (Plymouth) at Bethany Lutheran College on Saturday (see upcoming story).
Above: The Clippers dug in on defense. Here are Carson Lyons, Alex Kortuem, Brennan Kortuem, Bode Bartell and Kale Kelley.
