Despite a strong defensive effort down the stretch, the eighth-grade boys fell 37-32 to visiting St. Clair on Tuesday.
The Clippers were down by 13 points early in the second half but later got within four after back-to-back threes from Carson Lyons (on the drive above).
Using their height advantage, the Cyclones scored the game’s first seven points before Tanner Simonette drove to the hoop for the Clippers’ first basket.
St. Clair posted another seven points before the Clippers scored again when Lyons sunk the first of a quartet of threes he would have for the night. Lyons followed with a steal and ensuing layup, but the Cyclones added a three and a two for a 19-7 advantage.
From there, Lyons put in a pair of free shots, Bode Bartell hit a jumper, and Simonette stole and scored, but the Cyclones were in front 23-13 at the break.
The first three points of the second half went to the visitors, but Lyons made a pair of threes, and Caleb Possin stole and drove the floor for a layup to pull the Clippers within four, 21-26.
The game see-sawed after that. Lyons burst down the floor for a layup and sunk another three while Bartell hit a pair of foul shots.
But the Cyclones kept pounding the ball inside to keep up front, 33-28 before a pair of scores after offensive rebounds extended their lead to nine.
Simonette put in a couple of foul shots, and the Clippers, roughing up the Cyclones with the press, didn’t allow another score. After a Possin steal, Lyons scored on a layup, but the Cyclones played keep away to drain the clock and preserve the win.
Lyons led the effort with 20 points. Simonette had six points. Bartell put in a basket from the floor and two free throws for four points. Possin had two points. The Clippers made six of 14 foul shots.
The eighth-grade team traveled to Le Sueur on Thursday and closes out its season on Friday with a road trip to Alden.
Tanner Simonette takes the ball down court.
Caleb Connor eyes a defender as he makes his way to the hoop.
Gavin Karels puts up a shot from behind the arc.
Nathan Seeman negotiates his way through traffic.
Bode Bartell dashes through the paint for a shot.
Caleb Possin sets his sights on the basket.
David Draheim coils for a jump shot.