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Mar. 3, 2010
By Chris Umscheid
NORTH LIBERTY LEADER
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Nile Eckermann led the Clippers with a game-high 28 points including eight three-point shots.
(Chris Umscheid) |
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IOWA CITY - A combination of late fouls and missed shots sank the Clear Creek Amana (CCA) Clippers' hopes of advancing in the Class 3A basketball tournament.
The Clippers (15-7 entering the game) met the Williamsburg Raiders (with a 16-6 record) at Iowa City West High Feb. 25 for the district final. The Clippers defeated Fairfield on Feb. 23 at home to advance.
The Clippers quickly found themselves taking on water as the Raiders fired the first shot with a three-pointer before taking off for a 24-13 lead after the first period. Nile Eckermann tried to close the gap early in the period with one of his eight three-point shots, making it an 8-5 ballgame in favor of the Raiders.
Roughly three minutes into the second period, the Raiders were up 31-13 when Eckermann again fired the long-range artillery to score another three-pointer. While the Clippers made up some ground, the half ended 39-26 in favor of Williamsburg.
The men in blue attacked with a vengeance in the third period. Ted Hergert nailed a pair of baskets, Clay Miller hit one of two free-throws, and Eckermann sank back-to-back three-pointers followed by a lay-up off a steal. Strong defense held the Raiders at bay, allowing only three points. The period closed with the Clippers within striking distance, down 42-39.
Miller opened the final eight minutes with a field goal, narrowing the gap to one point. The Clippers led for the first time shortly after, going up 43-42, and giving hope to Clipper Nation. Unfortunately, the Raiders nailed a pair of baskets. Eckermann struck again with a long-bomb to keep the Clippers within a point.
With 4:27 remaining, CCA was down 46-49. A Raider foul sent Eckermann to the charity stripe for two. Nailing the free throws, the Clippers yet again were within a point of their foes. With less than three minutes left, Eckermann sank another long-bomb making a 53-51 ballgame.
But, late fouls and missed shots torpedoed the ship despite last-minute shots by Hergert and Eckermann. The Raiders lived to fight another day with the 59-56 win.
Nile Eckermann led all with a game-high 28 points. Ted Hergert and Clay Miller added 10 points each while Drew Disterhoft and Hunter Stokes chipped in three points apiece. Aaron Knaack also contributed two points to the CCA effort.
For Williamsburg, Chad Malloy led the Raiders with 14 points, Kelly O'Rourke had 12, and Mick Donohoe scored 11.
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