Basketballers win a pair in league hoops

The varsity basketball Eagles continued a steady march toward the postseason this week, claiming two wins in their last three league outings.
The Eagles began their latest string with a tough, 68-67 overtime loss to Middletown, but scored wins in subsequent games against Kelseyville (67-40) and Fort Bragg (81-67).
At press time Cloverdale (7-3, 13-8) was in third place, three games back of first-place Clear Lake (10-0) and two behind Middletown (8-1).
Eagles piling up wins
Cloverdale played host to Middletown in a key Jan. 22 clash, a rollercoaster ride that featured wild momentum swings on both sides. The Eagles led 16-10 after one but the Mustangs closed out the half on a 22-13 run for a 32-29 advantage. The Eagles reclaimed the game with a 21-8 third-quarter surge, but couldn’t stop a 19-9 Middletown run in the fourth quarter to force overtime knotted at 59-all. The game came down to the final seconds in the extra frame, but the Mustangs would prevail, 68-67. Shayne Turner led the way for Cloverdale with 24 points, while other top scorers were Chuche Maciel (15), Mario Lopez (14) and Josh Lemley (11).    
The Eagles climbed back in the win column in Friday’s visit to Kelseyville, as Cloverdale took control early and never looked back in an eventual, 67-40 rout.  
Lemley paced the attack with 23 points and 15 rebounds. Also turning in strong outings were Turner (17 points) and (14 points). 
On Monday, the Eagles had their way with visiting Fort Bragg, racing to a 47-22 cushion at the half en route to an 81-67 romp. Leading the way were Lemley (24 points, 12 boards), Lopez (15 points), Turner (11 points), Maciel (11 points) and Andres Herrera (9 points).   
The Eagles will resume league action at Lower Lake on Jan. 31, followed by a Friday, Feb. 1 home tilt against Willits (7 p.m., Senior Night).