Clear Lake Falconhoops

Despite superlative play from Connor Atchley, the Falcons fell to the Dunbar Flying Wildcats 75-60 in game 2 of day 2 in the WhataBurger Tournament. The combination of poor outside shooting and Georgia Tech bound 6'6" Jeremis Smith and 6'6" junior Chris Evans proved too much for the Falcons. At the end of the first quarter it was 19-13 Dunbar. The Falcons hung tough and were only down by 5, 35-30, at halftime. An 11-0 run in the 3rd quarter by 4A #1 ranked Dunbar enabled them to pull away from the determined Falcons. The Falcons were down 50-36 with 3:17 remaining in the third. Good solid play from the entire Falcon bench was not enough as they were never able to pull within 10 from that point. The Falcons were 4 of 19 from 3 point range and, excluding Connor Atchley's inside shooting, the Falcons only attempted 12 field goals from 2 point range in the game. Connor Atchley really stepped up in this game and led the Falcons with 24 points and 9 rebounds, Dan Rieke 10, Scott Oswald 7, Gordon Abner 6, Chris Mitchell 4, Micah Walker 4 (6 rebounds), Aaron Greenwood 4, Armie Louis 2. The win was #1299 for Dunbar legendary coach Robert Hughes. Despite the loss, this game was very beneficial for the Falcons. The intensity with which they played demonstrated the quality of their resolve and their ability to really step up against the most highly skilled teams. They are better prepared to face their remaining opponents and their fan base in attendance at the game was very favorably impressed. (Spotted in the crowd were former players including legendary Falcon big man 6'11" Glen Puddy (class of 84, SMU signee), Scott Siddons, and Larry Goin. Also spotted at most of the Lake games was Don Peterson, class of 76 (baseball)). It was also good to see Dr. Siddons in the crowd. After many years and many games in the Lake gym, he and his wife moved to Dallas in February to be nearer their grandchildren. Lake's last game in the tournament will be for third place Wednesday, Dec. 31, at 6 p.m. against the brain trust Harvard Westlake Wolverines from North Hollywood, California.