The Lakeland women's basketball team played host to the St. Clair County Skippers tonight in their home opener. After falling behind early, the Lakers battled back and defeated the Skippers by a final score of 70-61. With the win, the Lakers improve to 2-0 on the season. Lakeland got off to a slow start as they were unable to get themselves in an offensive flow. The Skippers used their size to take advantage early and held a 19-12 edge over the Lakers after the first quarter. Lakeland struggled from the field and the line as they shot an uncharacteristic 0-6 from the line in the opening frame. The second quarter started similarly and the Skippers lead grew to 14 points at 31-17 with 6:13 to play in the half. After that, the Lakers put on a ferocious press and battled all the way back before the end of the period. It started when Makayla Gordon stole an inbounds pass and raced for a layup. The Lakers then forced another turnover that Gordon converted into an easy bucket. After another Laker steal, Alesia Marshall drove the lane and scored on a layup. Suddenly, the score was cut to 6 points at 31-25. After a SC4 basket, Brandy Smith scored on a nice drive to the basket. Lakeland then forced another turnover with their pressure and Madison Fueger was fouled while shooting. Fueger calmly sank both free throws to cut the lead to 4 points. Zion Fussell then stole the inbounds pass and fed Gianna Pegoraro who scored on a layup. After a Skipper traveling call from the intense pressure, Pegoraro scored on another strong drive to the basket to tie the score at 33. SC4 scored with 13 seconds to play in the half and then fouled Zion Fussell to send her to the line. Fussell sank both free throws to tie it at 35 going into the break.
The teams traded baskets early in the second half before SC4 went on a little run to take a 60-53 lead early in the 3rd quarter. The Lakers then kicked it into another gear with strong offensive play and outstanding defensive pressure. Pegoraro started by scoring on another drive to the basket. SC4 then turned the ball over on an inbounds play. After a Lakers missed shot, Zion Fussell scores on a putback after an offensive rebound. Lakeland kept the pressure on the Skippers and forced a 10 second violation on the ensuing play. Madison Fueger then cut the lead to 1 on a hard drive to the basket and layup. On the next inbounds play, Brandy Smith tipped the pass and Zion Fussell picked it up and scored on a layup putting the Lakers in the lead. Lakeland continued to pressure and forced another turnover that Brandy Smith converted on for another two points. On the next SC4 posession, the Lakers forced another turnover that Makayla Gordon converted with an 8-foot floater. Lakeland continued applying the defensive pressure forcing more turnovers that they then converted into points.
Madison Fueger and Zion Fussell each finished the game with 14 points. Gianna Pegoraro added 12 points while Alesia Marshall and Mya James each scored 6 points in the win. Delaney Sullivan added 4 points and drew an important charge at one point in the 3rd quarter to help turn the tide.
Players Perspectives:
Gianna Pegoraro: "I felt like we played pretty well overall. We were a little slow to start and didn't have great energy. When we started putting the defensive pressure on, our energy level really picked up; especially in the second half. We really work well together as a team and we are all on the same page. It was a good team effort."
Mya James amd Zion Fussell: "We started slow but we were able to pick it up with our defensive effort. The moral of this is to keep playing hard no matter what and never give up. Believe in your team."
Gardy's Gab: "It was good to get our first home win of the year. Winning the home opener is always nice. We were able to extend our defense and that allowed us to come back. We also made the plays when we needed to down the stretch. This was a good team win."
Next Up: The Lakers will play host to the Erie Community College Kats on Wednesday (11/9). Tip off is scheduled for 5:30 pm.
