The NJCAA's 15th-ranked Lakeland Lakers played host to the Edison State Chargers today with an OCCAC Conference Championship on the line. Lately, the Lakers have been starting slowly and then using a strong second half to earn win. Today, the Lakers took care of business in the first half and then cruised to a convincing 111-81 victory over the Chargers. The Lakers finished the regular season with a 23-3 overall record and 14-2 record in conference play. Lakeland would jump out to a quick 8-2 lead on the strength of both Dondi Harper and Alex Benson connecting on 3-pointers. The Chargers would fight back though as they connected on several long range shots in the first half. The two teams battled back and forth until the Lakers, leading 41-38 with 5 minutes to play in the half, took charge. It started with Jareon Mayo hitting a 3-pointer to increase the lead to 44-38. The Lakers defense would force an Edison turnover and Justin Covington would finish with a layup. On the next play, Alex Benson would draw a charge and then connect on a 4-foot floater in the lane to put the Lakers up by 10 at 48-38. After the Lakers forced another turnover, Ansoumane Oulare would grab an offensive rebound and put-back basket all in one motion. The Lakers defense would then collect a steal and Covington would feed Oulare at the foul line. Oulare would give a great ball fake to draw the defenders and then drive the lane to put the Lakers up 52-38. The Chargers would hit 2 free throws before Covington made a spectacular crossover move and then layup to put the Lakers up 54-40. After a Charger basket, Jareon Mayo would close out the half with a 3-pointer to push the Laker lead to 15, 57-42, going into the break. In the second half, the Lakers continued their dominating play and sailed to the victory.
The Lakers continued their balanced attack as 11 different players scored. Five players finished with double digits. Alex Benson led the way with 26 points while Jareon Mayo recorded 18 points. Dasjaun Williams, Ansoumane Oulare, and Justin Covington each finished their afternoon with 10 points while PJ Daniels added 9 points for the Lakers. Dondi Harper and Chris Tackett both recorded 7 points while Brandon Lane picked up 6 points. Nate Houston and Bishop Thomas each added 4 points on the afternoon in the Laker win.
T's Thoughts: "Our team was able to pick it up and play well defensively today. It was a good game in that everyone was able to play and be a part of the team win. I'm very happy for the team as they were rewarded for all of their hard work this season. We'll enjoy this and then get ready for Districts next week - we have a nice challenge coming up next week."
Next Up: The Lakers have qualified for post-season play and will participate in Districts next Friday, March 8th. Lakeland will be in the Great Lakes District C bracket. The Lakers are the #1 seed in the District and will play at 9:00am against an opponent that is still to be determined. If they win Friday, Lakeland would advance to the District C Championship on Sunday at 11:00 am. Both games will be at Mott Community College in Flint, MI. Game details will be released next week.
