The Lakeland men's basketball teamed played host to the NJCAA DII #13 ranked Niagara Thunderwolves on Wednesday and came away with a hard fought 72-65 victory. With the win, the Lakers improve to 3-0 on the season while Niagara County falls to 1-1. This game was back and forth all night as the difference in the score was between 1-5 points almost the entire game. At the end of the first half, Lakeland held a 35-31 advantage. The Lakers scoring in the first half was pretty balanced as Marcos Vazquez (Garfield Heights) and Jaidon Lipscomb (Pickerington HS) each finished with 8 points. Datrey Long (Beechcroft HS) added 7 points while JR Lumsden (Maumee Valley Country Day) chipped in 6 points. The second half was more of the same as the teams continued to trade baskets throughout. With the Lakers clingining to a 58-55 lead, Chaze Harris (Bedford HS) converted a traditional 3-point play as he was fouled while scoring a layup giving the Lakers a 61-55 lead with 5:47 to play. After a Niagara miss, Lumsden scored a layup upping the lead to 63-55. Niagara then hit two free throws before Lakeland's Kyle Jackson (Madison comprehensive) answered with a floater in the lane to push the lead back to 8 at 65-57. After a Thunderwolve layup, Long hit two free throws to keep the lead at 8. From there, the teams traded baskets with Lakeland hitting some free throws down the stretch to close out the victory.
Marcos Vazquez led the Lakers with 15 points while JR Lumsden finished with 14 points. Kyle Jackson added 11 points while Datrey Long and Chaze Harris each chipped in 9 points. Jaidon Lipscomb finished with 8 points and Keith Germain (Piper HS) added 6 points for the Lakers.
Hunter's Highlights: "This was a gritty team effort. We were down to 9 players with injuries and such and were playing the #13th ranked team in the country. Our veteren guys really stepped up. I was really proud of their efforts overall as some guys had to get their minutes extended. Down the stretch we were able to execute some sets which is what we have been working hard on in practice. Tough game as they are a very good team. We need to regroup a bit and hopefully get a couple players back for this weekend as St.Clair is also a very good team that has received votes nationally. We'll keep working, but I am proud of our effort tonight."
Next Up: The Lakers travel to Port Huron, MI on Saturday to take on the St. Clair County Community College Skippers. Tip off time is 3pm.
Special Upcoming Game: Next Wednesday (11/17), Lakeland plays host to Jamestown Community College in a 5:30 (W) and 7:30 (M) matchup. The Lakers are teaming with Phi Theta Kappa during both the women's and men's game and are collecting donations for the Lakeland Cares Cupboard. The Cupboard helps students in need anonymously. It is asked that spectators consider donating canned goods, boxed goods, and/or personal hygiene products. The first 100 people to donate at the games will receive a free Lakers cup.
