In their season opener on Thursday, the seventh grade Clipper boys controlled visiting Alden-Conger from the jump ball to the final buzzer in a 24-11 triumph.
While the Clippers weren’t always productive underneath the net, the rest of their game was solid, said Nancy Heldberg, who, along with Kate Anderson, coached the team.
“Our focus was on rebounding and defense. Offensive will come, but they played well, especially for our first game.”
Foreshadowing what he would contribute for the rest of the 24 minutes, Miles Tomaszewski (above) opened the scoring with a basket from across the arc. The Knights scored inside, but Tomaszewski looped in a jumper from the baseline. With a Carsyn Ryg basket from inside, the Clippers led 7-2.
Alden-Conger managed a basket, but Wyatt Krenik stole at half court and took the ball in for a layup to put the Clippers in front 9-4 at the break.
Tomaszewski drove inside for the first basket of the second half. After the Knights scored, Tomaszewski struck again when he took a Luke Heldberg assist in for a bucket. With an Aiden Giese offensive rebound and ensuing basket, the Clippers had a comfortable 15-6 advantage.
The Clippers kept their foot on the gas pedal. Tomaszewski drove hard for a layup, but his shot caromed off the rim. His teammates were there for the rebound though and got the ball back to Tomaszewski, who made up for the missed easy one when he looped in another three.
From there, Jack Anderson found an open lane in the paint for a basket, and Jackson Kopp took a long toss up and in. The Knights put in a basket from the floor after that, but the Clippers still led 22-8.
The Knights scored three points down the stretch, but Zander Linder punctuated the victory with a layup.
Tomaszewski led the effort with a dozen points. Giese, Anderson, Kopp, Krenik and Linder each chipped in two points. The Clippers were 0-1 from the foul line.
The seventh-grade boys return to action on Tuesday when they take road trip to Lake Crystal.
Carsyn Ryg eyes the basket.
Wyatt Krenik breaks away from the Alden-Conger defenders.
Jackson Kopp works his way toward the basket.
Zander Linder maneuvers toward the hoop under pressure.
Jack Anderson takes a look inside before dishing off.