MARION — The Clippers of Clear Creek Amana (1-4) scored the last five points of the game to hold off Marion (1-3) in a hard-fought 47-45 Wamac Conference game Dec. 7.

A seesaw tussle saw Marion control the first quarter, the Clippers led at the half, a tie after three quarters, and the Clippers taking the game in the final minute.

 Despite 29 fouls and three players fouling out, Marion battled right down to the wire.

“We play aggressive basketball,” explained Marion Coach Brian O’Donnell.  “We just gave up too many easy shots and second shots tonight.”

Caitlin Wnek of Clear Creek-Amana hit three 3-pointers and led all scorers with 18 points while Sam Heinze added 9, and Sam Thurn contributed 8.  Micaela Combs led Marion with 13 points, Beth Knapp had 12, and Leah Smith chipped in 9.

“We did a fine job defending the post, but Clear Creek had the size inside to control the boards for too many second shots.  Paige Perkins was fighting fouls all night and she needs to understand that we need to have her on the floor,” O’Donnell said.

“We sure can’t complain about our shot opportunities, but we just had too many defensive breakdowns, too many fouls, and we put them on the free throw line too often,” added O’Donnell.

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CLEAR CREEK AMANA (47): Strub 1 0-5 2, Wnek 4 7-10 18, Fligg 1 1-2 3, Mardesen 1 1-4 3, Heinze 3 3-4 9, Garin 0 0-0 0, Walls 0 2-2 2, Mougin 1 0-2 2, Thurn 2 3-4 8.  Totals 13 17-33 47.

MARION (45): Smith 4 0-0 9, Combs 5 2-5 13, J. Kramer 0 1-2 1, K. Kramer 2 1-2 5, Perkins 0 2-2 2, Knapp 4 2-4 12, Scott 1 1-1 3, Deeney 0 0-0 0, Timp 0 0-0 0.  Totals 16 9-16 45.

Halftime – Clear Creek Amana 24 – Marion 19.  3-point goals – CCA 4 (Wnek 3, Thurn), Marion 4 (Knapp 2, Combs, Smith).  Fouled out –  J. Kramer, K. Kramer, Knapp.