Clear Creek Amana throws zone at North Scott, runs away with girls’ basketball regional final win

TIFFIN — When the stakes are high, sometimes it’s necessary to make a bold adjustment.

Clear Creek Amana’s defensive adjustment paid off Tuesday night.

In front of an energized crowd, No. 7 Clear Creek Amana (18-4) defeated No. 10 North Scott, 61-46, in a Class 4A girls’ basketball regional final.

“It feels great,” junior Ava Locklear said. “We came into this game looking for this.”

With the win, the Clippers are headed to the state tournament for the first time since 2020 and the second time in school history.

“That’s our goal going into every season is going to Des Moines,” Clear Creek Amana Coach PJ Sweeney said. “I think we’ve got the program to the heights where it should be, in my opinion. It’s like we’re disappointed if we don’t get there.”

Locklear led the way for the Clippers with 17 points and 10 rebounds. She was dominant in the low post and hit multiple mid-range jump shots, keeping North Scott’s defense out of sorts.

“It helps not just having one skill,” Locklear said. “Some people can play just down low or just outside, but I think having that mid-range shot helps draw people out.”

Joining Locklear in double figures were Kaylee Stratton with 15 points and freshman Averie Lower with 14.

“We have a lot of tools in our pocket,” Lower said. “When we’re firing on all cylinders, we’ve got it.”

While the Clippers offense was humming, their defense was equally effective, albeit in an unorthodox look.

“I think our defense kind of set the tone for the game,” Sweeney said. “We started off in a 2-3 zone, which we haven’t played all year. Typically, we’re a player-to-player, 1-3-1 type of team.

“We just put it in Sunday. We just said, ‘you know what, the way that North Scott scores, let’s play a 2-3 zone. They’re probably not prepared for it. Maybe we can catch them off guard a little bit.’”

The zone proved to be effective.

Clear Creek Amana gave up just six points in the first quarter, with the Lancers struggling to adjust.

“With our length and size, we’re able to cover shooters in the corners and outside, and that frustrated them a little bit on 3-point shots,” Sweeney said.

Clear Creek Amana led 13-6 after the first quarter and took a 28-16 lead into intermission.

In the second half, Lower knocked down three triples and Stratton made 5 of 7 free throws to keep Clear Creek Amana well in control.

Stratton led the Clippers with four steals to go with her seven second-half points.

“Kaylee’s kind of that calming influence for us,” Sweeney said. “It’s incredible the growth from November to what you see now.”

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The Clippers held a double-digit lead from the 1:05 mark in the second quarter and never let North Scott get back within 10.

“We started off strong with our volleyball team going to state,” Locklear said. “We’ve always been so close every year ever since I’ve been here. Now that we’ve finally got that it just feels great.”

“We’re thinking about now,” Sweeney said. “A few years ago when we were there, it was more just enjoying the experience. Now, it’s like, alright let’s win some games and take care of business. Let’s see if we can win the dang thing.”