Taking over the C game against visiting Alden-Conger on Tuesday, Braeden Smith (above) scored 19 points to pace the Clippers to a 31-25 triumph.
All on Smith baskets, the Clippers tied the game 6-6. Nathan Brink put in a two, but the Clippers were off target after that and trailed 10-8 at the break.
The Knights posted the first basket of the second half, but Smith responded with a three and a pair of freebies, and the Clippers led by a point. Alden-Conger pulled back in front, but Nathan Seeman set up in the corner and swished a three, and the Clippers led 14-15.
Gavin Karels went to work after that, driving through the lane for a basket and then stealing and running the floor for a layup that put the Clippers in front 20-18. They never trailed from there.
Smith made a bucket and a pair of free throws and then took a Karels down-court bomb in for a basket and a 26-20 Clipper lead. Seeman fielded an in-bounds pass and popped it up for another three to extend the Clipper lead.
The Knights weren’t done though and scored the next five points, but, back at the foul line, Smith made two more free throws to bag and tag the triumph.
Seeman’s six points all came from behind the arc. Karels added four points, and Brink chipped in two points.
The Clippers were six of 16 in free-throw shooting. Alden-Conger put in one three and were four of seven from the foul line.
The Clipper C boys host Martin County West on Monday.
Nathan Brink heads toward the lane.
Alexander Kortuem fights his way up to the hoop.
Nathan Seeman draws a bead on the rim.
Gavin Karels extends for a jumper.