The Lakeland men's basketball team played host to the Erie Kats tonight on Military Appreciation Night in Laker Gym. Lakeland was excited to host members of the Wade Park Veteran's Association during the game. Early in the first half, the teams traded baskets as they each battled to take control. Leading 16-15, the Laker's Kaleb Wanamaker connected on a 3-pointer on a pass from Adam Williams to give the Lakers a 19-15 lead. After an Erie score, David McClain would hit a 12-footer. Eric Cook would then block a shot and Keenan Hughes would hit a 3-pointer on another assist from Williams. Lakeland would then steal the ball before Amarion Glenn scored a layup for a 26-17 Laker lead. The teams would then trade baskets before Lakeland missed a couple of shots, had a turnover, and fouled a Kat for 3 free throws. After Erie hit all 3 throws, Lakeland's lead had shrunk to 1 at 32-31. After the teams traded baskets, the Lakers trailed 36-34 following a Kat 3-pointer. Brandon Moore would then score un an underhand reverse layup to tie the game at 36. After an Erie turnover, Moore would hit a 3-pointer for a 39-36 lead. After a Kat basket, Devin Belle would score a layup. The Lakers would steal the ball on the next Kat possession and Belle would finish the play with a thunderous dunk. The Lakers would steal the ball again before Moore would score another layup for a 45-38 Laker lead. The Kats were then called for a technical and Belle hit the free throw. After a Kat basket, Wanamaker would hit a 3-pointer to send the Lakers into the break with a 49-40 lead. 

The first 10 minutes of the second half saw the two teams trade baskets as the Lakers led 64-54 with just over 10 minutes to play. Lakeland would then miss two shots and have a turnover while Erie connected on all 3 possessions and suddenly the score was 64-60 with 8 minutes to play. On Lakeland's next possession, Kaleb Wanamaker was fouled and he connected on both free throws. The Lakers would then use a high pressure trapping defense to force a Kat turover that led to Wanamaker being fouled again. Wanamaker again sank both free throws for a 68-60 lead. Erie would then hit a three and Devin Belle answered with a 3-pointer of his own. The Kats would then sink 1-2 free throws before Williams dished to Belle who sank a 15-footer. The Kats would answer as they hit a layup and a free throw after being fouled. After another Lakeland foul, the Kats would connect with 2 free throws trimming the Lakers lead back to 4 points at 73-69 with under 5 minutes to play. On Lakeland's next possession, Adam Williams grabbed an offensive rebound and was fouled. Williams connected on both free throw to push the lead back to 75-69. After an Erie miss, Keenan Hughes drove the lane hard and converted a layup after a strong jump stop. Lakeland would then foul and the Kats would sink 1-2 free throws before Eric Cook connected on a big 3-pointer to give the Lakers an 80-70 lead with under 2 minutes to play. From there, the Lakers closed out the game by hitting 4 free throws down the stretch. 

The Lakers used a balanced approach as 9 different players scored; 4 finished with double digits. Kaleb Wanamaker led the way with 18 points while Devin Belle finished his night with 14 points. Brandon Moore scored 13 points while Amarion Glenn added 10 points for the Lakers. Eric Cook collected 8 points while both Keenan Hughes and Ben Hamilton chipped in 6 points. Adam Williams finished with 5 points and David McClain recorded 4 points in the Laker win.

AC Christian's Corner: "This was a good game to test our character. We came out pretty physical and that helped us control the game. We also made our share of mistakes and that helps show us that there is still a lot of work to be done. We need to improve our late game execution - but the little things throughout the game are what earned us the win. Credit Erie as they are a well-coached team that worked very hard. We have to regroup now and work on some things as we get ready for conference play."

Next Up: The Lakers will open OCCAC action on Saturday (11/16) as they travel to Hocking College to face the Hawks in a 1pm tipoff.