Strong during to start the second half, the eighth-grade boys cut a 20-point deficit at the break in half but ultimately lost to visiting Granada-Huntley-East Chain/Truman/Martin Luther on Friday.
“We started slow but picked it up,” said coach Nancy Heldberg. “We held with them.”
The Jaguars lived by the three to go in front 14-3. Sam Ternes scored first for the Clippers, and Henry Boelter added a foul basket.
Braeden Smith (above) scored on a jumper, and Caleb Connor arced in a three, but the Jaguars scored the next 15 points for a comfortable 29-9 lead at the intermission.
But the Clippers narrowed their deficit to 10 in the second half. Smith scored the first basket, Ternes wove through the lane for a score. Connor made a free throw, scored after pulling down an offensive rebound and put in a layup.
The Jaguars threw a three into the mix, but with a Smith three and a Carsyn Ryg basket, the Clippers were in striking distance, 34-24.
But the Jags posted the next eight points before Smith drove the baseline for a bucket. It was all visitors down the stretch for six more points.
With nine points, Smith led the effort. Connor added eight points, and Ternes contributed four points. Boelter chipped in a free throw.
The eighth-grade boys travel to Nicollet today (Tuesday) and close out their season on Thursday when they take a road trip to Madelia.
Zayden Linder looks for an open teammate.
Caleb Connor puts up a contested jumper.
Sam Ternes drives through the lane.
Charlie Perkins looks to pass inside. Next to him is Dylan Thompson.
Coaches Nancy Heldberg and Kate Anderson talk strategy at the break.