Douglas Miles

Your Prep Sports

TIFFIN – The timeless sports adage that states “it is difficult to beat the same team three times” has always had merit.

The Clear Creek Amana boys’ basketball team was dealt a harsh reminder Thursday night courtesy of an energized group of Williamsburg Raiders.

“They were extremely motivated,” CCA Coach Brandon Clubb said after his team was eliminated by Williamsburg, 83-63, in a Class 3A substate semifinal at Clear Creek Amana High School. “(Williamsburg senior) Derek Weisskopf, who is already the best player on the court, was just on a different level tonight. He kind of willed his team into a position to get a lead there and hang onto it. He was just doing everything for them tonight. I think just their motivation and they were making shots, where they didn’t necessarily do that the first couple of times.”

CCA (16-7) had already defeated Williamsburg twice this season, including a 56-55 nail-biter Feb. 7 that netted the Clippers its third WAMAC West Division title in five years.

Weisskopf posted 23 and 20 points, respectively, in two losing efforts against the Clippers.

But on this night, CCA had no answer for the Iowa football signee, who led all scorers with a season-high 37 points – including four three-point baskets – and also grabbed nine rebounds.

“We just came out on fire,” Weisskopf said. “Our defensive effort in the first half really got us going.”

Williamsburg (15-8) led by as many as 22 points in the first half thanks to a 28-10 explosion, highlighted by 10 points from Weisskopf.

Clear Creek Amana got within nine points early in the third quarter at 42-33, but the Raiders pushed the advantage to as large as 30 points on two occasions.

“I don’t think they missed many shots,” CCA junior Brody Clubb said. “They came out hot. We tried to throw a couple curveballs in there. We tried a two-three (zone defense) in and out. They kept hitting those threes.”

Clear Creek Amana entered the game with wins in 10 of its previous 11 contests, a run of good fortune that included both of its victories over Williamsburg.

Clear Creek Amana junior Andrew Rotzoll paced the Clippers with 32 points, while senior Haiden Hardy closed out his prep career with 13.

“He’s been unbelievable,” Coach Clubb said. “Floor general. He’s kind of the guy that gets our offense going and he’s one of the best passers I’ve ever had the opportunity to coach. He has a great court vision, finds guys that are open, but then is also able to get baskets when you need them. He’s just been tremendous for us as far as being a lone senior. That can’t be easy. He’s done a great job and he has been a very integral part of our success this season.”

Kellen Cockrell posted 11 points, while Grant Hocker and Braden Plotz each registered 10 for Williamsburg, which can earn its first trip to the state tournament since 2015 with a victory over Keokuk (17-6) in Monday’s substate final.

The Clippers should have a formidable group returning next year, which will include four of five starters, highlighted by their top scorer in Rotzoll (16.5 points per contest).

Rotzoll leads a talented junior class that includes fellow starters Cale Berry, Brock Hilsman, Clubb – who was limited to just 10 appearances this season – and Robert Meade, who started 20 of 22 games.

“I think it’s looking good,” said Brody Clubb, who scored nine points. “We’ve been playing since seventh grade, this junior class. We were hoping to get to the tournament, feel things out, get the feel of it, what it is like and next year make a push. Obviously it didn’t go our way, but we’re all ready and determined. Next year should be fun.”

Williamsburg (83) – Clayten Steckly 3 0-0 8, Grant Hocker 4 1-2 10, Derek Weisskopf 14 5-5 37, Braden Plotz 5 0-0 10, Kellen Cockrell 4 3-3 11, Simeon Armbrecht 1 0-0 2, Bryson Wetjen 1 0-0 2, Logan Rethwisch 1 0-0 3, John Eichhorn 0 0-2 0, Totals 33 9-10 83.

Clear Creek Amana (63) – Haiden Hardy 6 1-3 13, Brock Hilsman 0 1-2 1, Cale Berry 3 0-0 6, Andrew Rotzoll 11 6-7 32, Brody Clubb 3 2-2 9, Robert Meade 0 0-0 0, Owen Rosenberg 0 0-0 0, Reece Cochran 0 0-0 0, Ethan Vice 1 0-1 2, Totals 24 10-15 63.

Williamsburg               24  18  21  20  –  83

Clear Creek Amana     14  13  15  21  –  63

Three-point goals – WIL 8 (Weisskopf 4, Steckley 2, Rethwisch 1, Hocker 1); CCA 5 (Rotzoll 4, Clubb 1). Rebounds – WIL 25 (Weisskopf 9); CCA 13 (Hilsman 3, Rotzoll 3). Fouled out – CCA (Clubb). Technical fouls – None.

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