The Lakeland women's basketball team headed to Mott College to face off against the NJCAA's 16th ranked Jackson Jets in the Great Lakes District C tournament. The fabulous five from Lakeland gave a valiant effort, but in the end, the Jets proved too much as the Lakers fell by a score of 86-65. In the first quarter, the Lakers struggled early with some nervous energy as they fell into a 12-4 hole. Jai'Lynne Hitt-Swartz then sank a 3-pointer to make the score 12-7. The Jets then took advantage of a Lakeland turnover and missed shots to grow their lead to 18-7 before Monica Devine made a layup cutting the Laker deficit to 9 with 1:45 to play in the quarter. Following a Jet miss, Monetta Hilory sank a jump shot to make the score 18-11. The Jets would score a three late to end the quarter with a 21-11 lead.
In the 2nd quarter, the Jets would score a basket before Jai'Lynne Hitt-Swartz connected on another 3-pointer. Monica Devine would then steal the ball and get fouled before hitting 1-2 free throws to bring the Lakers within 8 points at 23-15. After a Jet turnover, Hitt-Swartz would set up Devine for a basket to bring the Lakers within 6 at 23-17. The Jets would then take advantage of Lakeland missed shots to grow their lead 28-17 before Trinity Jackson connected on a jump shot. Following a Jet basket, Monica Devine would sink a pair of free throws. After a Jet turnover, Jackson would connect on another jump shot to bring the Lakers back within 7 at 30-23. Lakeland then went cold from the floor and committed a pair of turnovers as the Jets took a 39-25 lead into the break. In the 3rd quarter the Jets grew their lead early as they took advantage of a size advantage inside with timely outside shooting as they distanced themselves from the Lakers. The 4th quarter featured more of the same as the Jets put an end to the Lakers season.
Lakeland featured a very balanced scoring attack as four players finished in double digits. Jai'Lynne Hitt-Swartz was the high scorer with 18 points (6-6 from the free throw line) while adding 5 rebounds. Monica Devine had a strong game finishing with 15 points and 8 rebounds while Monetta Hilory added 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. Trinity Jackson finished her afternoon with a double-double as she recorded 10 points and 12 rebounds. Jackson also added 6 assists. Nitzy Rios also had a strong game as she finished with 8 points and 4 rebounds.
Gardy's Gab: "I'm very proud of the teams effort. We battled the whole game and stayed positive. Give the ladies a lot of credit as they played the whole second half of the year with 5 players - and were very successful. Today we faced a very good team and just didn't have enough to battle back. I'm pleased with the way they handled themselves all year though - really a great group to be around."
