Indians start winter sports

Clarke High basketball started its season Monday with a split decision against visiting Mount Ayr.

Clarke boys defeated Mount Ayr 80-43. The Indians offense was productive from the start scoring 23 first-quarter points and limited Mount Ayr to six.

Clarke continued its pace in the second quarter with 20 points. The second quarter was the most productive for Mount Ayr as it scored 15.

Jack Cooley topped all Clarke scorers with 21. He was 8-15 from the floor, 2-4 from the 3-point line and made 3-5 free throws. He also led the team with nine rebounds.

Josue Torres cored 16 for Clarke with 6-10 from two-point range. He made all three of his 3-point shots.

Cooley also led Clarke with eight assists. Bo Otto had six assists. Clarke totaled 29 assists to 12 turnovers.

As a team, Clarke was 30-66 from the field and was 9-24 from 3-point line. Clarke made 11 of 20 free throws. Clarke outrebounded Mount Ayr 41-32.

A third-quarter surge by the Mount Ayr girls helped them defeat Clarke 52-47. Clarke led at half 24-19 before Mount Ayr scored 18 in the third to take a 37-34 lead into the fourth quarter. Both teams nearly traded baskets in the last quarter.

Josey Dunbar led Clarke with 18 points from 9-17 shooting. Ali Henry finished with 12 from 4-12 shooting and added a 3-point shot. Tory Henry scored 10.

Shayla Henry had 10 rebounds for Clarke. Dunbar was right behind with 9. Henry led Clarke with three assists.

As a team, Clarke finished with 20-59 shooting and was 3-17 from the 3-point line. Clarke was 4-8 from the free throw line. The difference may have been free throws as Mount Ayr was 11-23. Clarke outrebounded Mount Ayr 44-27.

Both Clarke teams play visiting Chariton Friday. Girls game starts at 6:15 p.m. Boys will follow.

Clarke bowling starts its season at 3 p.m. Dec. 2 at Cenetrville. Clarke wrestling is in a quad-meet at 5 p.m. Dec. 2 at East Mills.