The Lakeland Lady Lakers (2-0) played host to the Niagara County Community College Thunderwolves tonight and earned a hard fought 76-66 victory. This game was nip and tuck for most of the game. Sharda Williamson (Liberty HS) paced the Lakers in the first quarter with 6 points as the Lakers led 13-10 at the end of the quarter. Both teams scored 20 points in the second quarter and so the score was 33-30 in favor of Lakeland at the break. Elisha Quinn (Southview HS) led the Lakers with 8 points in the 2nd quarter. Niagara picked up the pace in the 3rd quarter and briefly took the lead before Lakeland closed the quarter hard and finished with a slight 52-51 advantage. Quinn again led the way adding 8 more points. The teams continued to trade baskets with Niagara holding a 61-60 lead when Williamson hit a baseline jumper to give Lakeland the lead for good at 62-61 with 3:30 to play. The Thunderwolves then missed a shot that went out of bounds. On Lakeland's next possession, Williamson hit a 12' turnaround shot off an inbound pass to up the lead to 64-61. Madison Fueger (Normandy HS) then drew a charge before Williamson hit another baseline jumper on a nice assist from Quinn for a 66-61 lead. After Niagara missed on their next possession, Delaney Sullivan (Normandy HS) was fouled. Fueger rebounded hr free throw and hit an easy lay-up to give the Lakers a 68-61 with just over a minute to play. From there, the Lakers cruised as Alesia Marshall (Steele HS) hit 4 free throws down the stretch to close it out.

Shar'Da Williamson led the Lakers with 23 points. Elisha Quinn finished with 18 points while Alesia Marshall chipped in 11 points. Madison Fueger finshed with 8 points and Shanya Rhodes (Cleveland Heights) added 6 points. Delaney Sullivan finished with 4 points while both Hailey Davis (Harvey HS) and Arion Brown (East Tech HS) added 3 points. 

Gardy's Gab: "That was a good team win. We are the type of team where a different person can step up each night. It's fun to see who the leader will be each game. Today, Shar'Da (Williamson) stepped up and played very well down the stretch. I was also pleased with Elisha's (Quinn) play tonight and Maddie (Fueger) drew a couple of nice charges. That was a good team win against a quality team. We are going to have to get right back at it though as we will face another very good team on Saturday (St. Clair Skippers)."

Next Up: On Saturday, the Lady Lakers travel to Port Huron, MI to face the St.Clair County Community College Skippers. The tip off is scheduled for 1pm.

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.