The Clarion-Goldfield-Dows (CGD) boys basketball team is beginning to define its identity as the calendar turns toward January, leaning on defensive intensity and balanced scoring.
The Cowboys enter the holiday break with a 4-2 record and sit third in the North Central Conference (NCC) behind Clear Lake and St. Edmond.
CGD closed the first half of its schedule with a 66-34 win over Iowa Falls-Alden, rebounding from a loss earlier in the week to Clear Lake. The Cowboys held the Cadets to 11 points in the first half, a performance that reflects a season-long emphasis on defense. Head Coach Jason Berning.
“I thought we played really well tonight, especially on the defensive side,” says Berning. “That’s been something that we really honed in on. And I think that’s a big reason why I think we’re playing the way we are. And our guys have really bought into playing good, hard-nosed defense.”
That defensive commitment has been reflected across the stat sheet. CGD leads the NCC in defensive rebounds with 132, blocks with 29, and steals with 58.
While defense has helped set the tone, CGD’s offense has shown balance rather than relying on a single scorer. Junior Chaz Lane leads the team with 96 points, but multiple players have contributed consistently, making the Cowboys difficult to defend on a night-to-night basis. CGD is second in points in the NCC with 343, just 8 points behind conference leader St. Edmond.
Adding to the team’s well-rounded offensive approach, Junior JD Morrical has provided efficiency and playmaking, shooting 50% from the field while leading the team in steals. Huxley Lingenfelter has been active on the glass with 43 rebounds, while sophomore Jacob Ruba and freshman Paxton Lingenfelter have contributed on both ends of the court.
“We preach team basketball,” says Berning. “And I think we’re getting pretty good at sharing the basketball. And our guys like it when other people are having success. So I think that’s a really good sign of a good team chemistry.”
The Cowboys return to action Jan. 6 when they host Algona.
