The Clarion-Goldfield-Dows basketball teams split a doubleheader with the Iowa Falls-Alden Cadets on Friday night, with the Cadets defeating the Cowgirls 55-13 and the Cowboys earning a 66-34 victory.
In the girls game, Clarion-Goldfield-Dows continued to show signs of progress despite the loss. Kallie Schermer led the Cowgirls with six points, and the 13-point output marked the second time this season CGD has reached double-digit figures offensively.
Iowa Falls-Alden was led by Elody England, who finished with 17 points as the Cadets pulled away early and maintained control throughout the contest.
In the boys game, Clarion-Goldfield-Dows turned in a strong defensive performance, limiting the Cadets to 11 points in the first half and converting defensive pressure into transition scoring.
CGD Head Coach Jason Berning says strong defensive play has been a focus early in the season.
“I thought we played really well tonight, especially on the defensive side,” says Berning. “That’s been something that we’ve really, 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.”
Offensively, the Cowboys were led by Chaz Lane, who found success in the paint and finished with 16 points. Lane credited the Cowboys’ defensive effort as a key factor in the win.
“It was a great team effort. I mean, we all were pretty much up there in the scoring and our defense was on,” says Lane. “That’s something we focused on, was better than last Saturday in our defensive effort. And I think we did that.”
The doubleheader marked the final games before all four teams head into the holiday break, with play resuming in January.
