While the Clipper seventh graders played their best game of the season on Tuesday, they fell 46-31 to visiting St. Clair.
“All year we’re scoring six or eight points a game,” said coach Todd Karels, who is teaming up with Tray Jones these days to coach the junior high teams. “They really played hard tonight. They were running plays and learning defense, and that’s really great to see.”
With the Cyclones up 20-9, the Clippers went on a six-point run. Kasyn Zuehlke scored, Braeden Smith (above) followed with a bucket inside, and Carson Lyons, on the trail of a missed breakaway layup, grabbed and offensive rebound and scored to pull the Clipper within five
But St. Clair responded with a three and a two to lead 25-15 at the break.
After the Cyclones scored to start the second half, Zuehlke and Smith hit jumpers, and with a Caleb Connor basket and a Zuehlke drive for a score, the Clippers were within four, 27-23.
St. Clair added two and a three, but Connor scored inside, Smith put in a pair of free throws, and Zuehlke added another freebie to put the Clippers back within four, 32-28.
But the rest of the game was a whirlwind of Cyclone baskets. Zuehlke dropped a three in the mix, but the Cyclones posted the next 14 points for the triumph.
The seventh graders travel to Le Sueur tonight and close out their season on Friday when they road trip to Alden.
Kasyn Zuehlke moves to the hoop.
Caleb Connor goes in for a layup.
Dominic Risk-Anderson dishes off to a teammate.