The Lakeland women's basketball team played host to the NJCAA's 8th ranked St. Clair County Skippers today in non-league action and dropped a 90-52 decision. In the first quarter, Lakeland used a high energy start to take an early lead on the Skippers. Kennedy Gadsen and Joh'niqua Clay scored early to give the Lakers a 4-1 lead. Following a St. Clair 3-pointer, Clay connected again on a 6' floater to give the Lakers the lead back at 6-4. Following a St. Clair turnover, Kanija Kimbrough connected to put the Lakers up 8-4. The Skipperrs then scored a layup before Monetta Hilory drover the lane and scored for a 10-6 lead. Lakeland then played outstanding defense and forced a Skipper shot clock violation. On Lakeland's next possession, Gadsen grabbed an offensive rebound and scored on a layup for a 12-6 Laker advantage. After a St. Clair miss, Kennedy Coleman drained a 3-pointer in the corner to give Lakeland a 15-6 lead. After a SC4 miss, Coleman would get fouled and connect on a free throw to put the Lakers up ten at 16-6. The Skippers then turned up the defensive pressure and pressed Lakeland all over the court. The youth of the Lakers showed with this change as Lakeland committed 4 turnovers and had a pair of fouls allowing the Skippers to claw all the way back and tie the game at the end of the 1st quarter at 16. To start the 2nd quarter, the Skippers continued to press forcing consecutive Lakeland turnoveers while building an early 22-16 lead. Kennedy Gadsen then drove the lane and scored a layup to bring the Lakers within 4 points. The teams then traded baskets before the Lakers were whistled for fouls on the next 3 possessions allowing the Skippers to take a 30-20 lead. The teams would trade baskets for the remainder of the quarter and the Lakers went into the break trailing 41-29. Unfortunately for the Lakers, they would not make a comeback as the Skippers got hot from the outside while also capitalizing on their height advantage to take the game.
Kennedy Gadsen led the Lakers in scoring as she finished with 21 points. Joh'niqua Clay recorded 10 points while Kennedy Coleman picked up 9 points. Monetta Hilory added 8 points while Kanija Kimbrough chipped in 4 points in the defeat.
Gardy's Gab: "I think we showed a lot of promise in our first game. Credit St. Clair as they are a very good team, but I liked our effort - especially defensively. We're young and we will continue to get better. We'll keep working hard in practice and get back at it on Wednesday."
Next Up: The Lakers will head to Jamestown Community College on Wednesday (11/5) to face the Jayhawks in non-league action. Tip off is scheduled for 5:30 pm.
