The Lakeland women's basketball team played host to the Erie Kats tonight on Military Appreciation Night in Laker Gym. Lakeland was fortunate to have members of the Wade Park Veteran's Association in attendance. Additionally, the crowd was treated to the playing of some songs and the national anthem by the Willoughby South High School Marching Band under the direction of Drum Majors Alannah Estvander and Jiani Xu. It was an exciting night in Lakerland and the Lakers did not disappoint as they came away with a convincing 90-48 victory over the Kats. Lakeland started the 1st quarter on fire as they played a high energy defense that gave Erie fits. Monica Devine took control early as she single-handedly outscored the Kats (12-8) and had several steals in the paint. The Lakers employed a very balanced scoring attack as 6 different players scored in the first quarter which ended with Lakeland ahead 23-8. Early in the quarter with the Lakers leading 5-4, Monetta Hilory grabbed an offensive rebound and fed Devine who scored the layup while being fouled. Devine connected on the free throw before stealing the ball on the Kats next possession and driving the length of the court for a basket and a 10-4 Laker lead. After Erie scored, Kiara Smith was fouled and connected on 1-2 free throws. After a Laker steal, Monica Devine corraled an offensive rebound and fed Jai'Lynne Hitt-Swartz for a 3-pointer. After a Kat basket, Da'Vionna Singleton drained a 3-pointer for a 17-8 Laker lead. Kiara Smith would then steal the ball and score on a layup before the Kats turned the ball over again. Nitzy Rios inbounded the ball and hit a streaking Devine thru the middle who scored another layup. Singleton would close out the scoring for the quarter when she scored on a layup moments after an Erie miss.
If the Kats were going to make a run, they would need to start early in the second quarter. Lakeland did not permit that as they recovered two steals that ended with a Devine and Smith layup. The Lakers then played strong defense to force a shot clock violation. On the Lakers next possession, Nitzy Rios would get an offense rebound and score to put the Lakers up 29-8. From there, the Lakers cruised to the victory.
Lakeland had 6 players finish in double digit scoring. Monica Devine led all scorers with 22 points. Kiara Smith and Jai'Lynne Hitt-Swartz each scored 16 points while Nitzy Rios and Da'Vionna Singleton each finished their night with 13 points. Monetta Hilory recorded 10 points in the Lakers win.
Gardy's Gab: "We were able to come out and take care of business. We played hard, especially early, and were able to put this away. We've had some good practices the past few days and it carried over into the game. Monica Devine really played well. She gave us the kind of effort we need from our sophomore leadership. Kiara Smith also had a strong game - but everyone contributed - which was nice."
Next Up: The Lakers will open OCCAC action on Saturday (11/16) as they travel to Hocking College to face the Hawks in a 3pm tilt.
