The short-handed Lakers played host to the Lorain County Commodores tonight and dropped a 75-65 decision in OCCAC play. The first quarter was a battle as the teams went back-and-forth. Monetta Hilory started things by hitting a jumper for the Lakers before Jai'Lynne Hitt-Swartz connected on a 3-pointer for a quick 5-0 Laker lead. After a Lorain basket, Monica Devine would drive the lane and score a layup for a 7-2 advantage. Lorain would then take advantage of a couple of missed Laker shots to tie the score at 7 before Hitt-Swartz connected on a pair of free throws. Lakeland would then commit a turnover and have a pair of missed shots as Lorain took the lead at 13-9. Monetta Hilory then drained a 3-pointer before Lorain connected on consecutive baskets to take a 17-12 lead. Trinity Jackson then hit an 8' jumper before the Lakers stole the ball and Jackson fed Jai'Lynne Hitt-Swartz for another 3-pointer to knot the score at 17 at the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Commodores took an early 25-21 lead and then slowly grew their lead throughout the quarter as they went into the break with a 40-33 lead.
The Lakers made a strong push early in the 3rd quarter. Trinity Jackson connected on a pair of free throws to start the quarter. Lorain would connect on 1-2 free throws before Monica Devine scored on a layup to bring the Lakers within 4 at 41-37. After a Lorain 3-pointer, Jackson hit a short jumper. Following a Commodore miss, the Lakers executed great ball movement before finally hitting Jai'Lynne Hitt-Swartz in the corner where she calmly drained a 3-pointer to bring the Lakers within 2 points at 44-42. Both teams would make 1-2 free throws before Lorain would take advantage of Laker missed shots to build a 7 point, 50-43, lead. Following a Laker steal, Hitt-Swartz scored on a layup to bring the Lakers within 5 at 50-45. The Lakers would steal the ball again and miss a shot. Later on the play, Lakeland would be whistled for a tech and Lorain took advantage hitting both free throws. The tech also gave ball possession back to the Commodores and they were fouled on the ensuing play and sank 2 more free throws. The 9 point deficit was too much to overcome despite a valiant Lakers effort as they lost the season series to the Commodores.
Lakeland finished with 3 players in double digits. Trinity Jackson led the way with 24 points while Monetta Hilory finished her night with 19 points. Jai'Lynne Hitt-Swartz recorded 14 points while Monica Devine added 8 points in the Laker loss.
Gardy's Gab: "Tough night - we just didn't play to our capabilities. Even though we were short-benched, I believe we can play with just about anyone if we play to our strengths and execute. We have too keep working as a team - we have another tough one coming up Saturday."
Next Up: On Saturday (1/11), the Lakers will face off against the Eagles of Clark State. Tipoff is scheduled for 1:00 pm.
