Lyons Boys Basketball vs. Clear Creek
The Lyons boys basketball team returned home for a league matchup with the Clear Creek Golddiggers on Friday evening. Hoping to build on their momentum from last week’s dramatic comeback win in Longmont, the boys welcomed back some much-needed help. Junior center Jordan Valente returned from an ankle injury, and senior guard Isaac Roberts returned from an extended illness. The two would both provide the starters, who played nearly every minute of the last two games, some relief.
With a big crowd on hand to support the boys, the Lions would battle the Golddiggers throughout a mostly even first half. Sophomore Gage Basey, the leading scorer for the Lions, picked up an early second foul, forcing coach Jahmiel McLawrence to go to his bench. Fortunately, Valente was available, and filled in nicely with Basey out. At the end of the half, Clear Creek led by just two, 20-18.
Throughout a tough defensive third quarter, the Lions played solid defense, limiting the Golddiggers to just five points. However, Lyons would score just four points of their own, trailing by three heading to the fourth quarter. The game was ripe for another Lyons comeback.
With the crowd urging the boys on, the Lions created opportunity after opportunity to close the gap. Roberts and freshman Nathan Richardson hit a pair of corner threes right in front of the student section to keep Lyons close. After that, the shots simply would not fall. Roberts’ attempt from the same spot was in and out. Richardson had another three rattle around, as did senior Harrison Abernathy. Clear Creek, on the other hand, would convert a big three-pointer, several layups, and clutch free throws down the stretch to account for the final 40-33 margin.
Basey tallied 14 to lead all scorers. Richardson added six, while Abernathy dished out six assists. Next up for Lyons are a pair of road games. The first is at Dawson on Tuesday, February 4, and then Friday, February 7 at Union Colony.
