The Clarion-Goldfield-Dows boys basketball team erased an eight-point second half deficit to defeat Hampton-Dumont-CAL 62-58 Tuesday, as aired on 104.9 KLMJ.
The Bulldogs took the initial advantage, holding a 16-14 lead after the first quarter, and the teams went stride for stride on the way to a 30-27 halftime advantage for Hampton-Dumont-CAL.
The Bulldogs had multiple instances of gaining eight-point advantages, but seemingly squandered opportunities to increase the lead to double digits on every opportunity. Brady Harr hit two straight three-pointers, but came up short on numerous possessions in the closing minutes. Chaz Lane hit a floater to put the Cowboys in front 52-51, and held onto the advantage the rest of the way.
“I think there was maybe four straight, maybe five straight where we were in the half court against their defense, and we just didn’t make a good decision,” Hampton-Dumont-CAL coach Brian Niesen says. “And then that leads to run out. So yeah, it was a tough stretch. I just I told the guys I wish I knew how to help them be more consistent. Still looking for that answer. We’re running out of time. But just yeah, just some of those live ball turnovers just really bite us.”
Lane, a sophomore, was 15/19 shooting for a career-high 36 points. He says the win will give the team the momentum it needs heading into the postseason.
“We’ve had a lot of games like this this season, and it’s just needing this win,” Lane says. “We’ve needed this win going into the postseason, and there’s a lot of trust here, so we needed it. So that’s where that comes from. We switched our defense into man. I think that was the main part. We haven’t played much of that this season, but it’s working for us, and we’re trying new things, and it’s working.”
Bryce Lindaman added 10 points for the Cowboys. Harr led the Bulldogs with 25 points. Tramaine Horton and Connor Miller each scored 11.
Hampton-Dumont-CAL will return to action Thursday at #9 (2A) Aplington-Parkersburg on 104.9 KLMJ. Clarion-Goldfield-Dows will close the regular season by hosting Southeast Valley Thursday.
Chaz Lane interview:
Brian Niesen interview:
