The Lakeland men's basketball team traveled to Mott Community College today to face the Schoolcraft Ocelots in the Region 12 District A semi-finals. In an unusual turn of events, the teams warmed up and played 12 seconds of the game before there was a 2 plus hour delay. With heavy rains in the area, water came onto the floor thru some roof leaks. Unfortunately for the Lakers, after the delay, they struggled. In the first half, everything that could go wrong, went wrong. Lakeland got into early foul trouble and shot under 25% from the field and under 50% from the line while committing 7 turnovers. Lakeland went into the break trailing 36-22.
In the second half, Lakeland tried to battle back. The Lakers would cut the deficit to 8 points twice before a missed shot and a turnover gave the Ocelots extra opportunities which they converted. In a valiant effort, Lakeland lost the game by a final of 79-61. Lakeland finished their season as Champions of the OCCAC and with a final overall record of 21-7.
In a balanced attack, Jadallah Suleiman was the Lakers high scorer with 14 points. Marlon Landingham finished with a double double (12 points and 10 rebounds) while Chauncey Brashers finished with 12 points. Isaiah McAdams recorded 8 points while Alikai Creque added 7 points and 7 rebounds. Amarion Glenn picked up 5 points and 3 boards while Juwan Turner chipped in 3 points in the Laker loss.
Coach T's Talk: "We just didn't come out in the first half - we didn't handle the delay well and didn't play our game. It took a lot of energy to fight back and we just weren't able to finish the job. Credit Schoolcraft as they shot the ball well and played hard. I'm proud of our team on the season - played hard all year - we represented well and have a lot to be proud of."
