Score:

LAKELAND:                                         33

ROYAL OAK:                                        31

Wednesday, February 19th, the Girls Junior Varsity team traveled to Royal Oak for a tough non-conference game, earning a 33-31 victory.  The first quarter was a back-and-forth affair with both teams playing contrasting styles.  Lakeland came out running their ¾ court zone press causing turnovers and scoring opportunities while Royal Oak used their size to capitalize on second chance scoring chances.   The Eagles style won out in the first quarter holding a slim two-point lead 10-8.  The second quarter both teams struggled to score with each team only scoring 5 points allowing Lakeland to take a 15-13 into halftime.  Coming out of halftime, the Eagles were able to get many good looks at the basket out of their motion offence but were just unable to convert.  Royal Oak was able to take advantage on their end of the floor owning the offensive glass with their size taking the lead 21-20.  The fourth quarter started out quickly.  Royal Oak hit a long jump shot to extend their lead to 3 but Peyton Foote responded with a three-point play on a nice back cut fed by Alyssa Goldman to tie the game up at 24. On Lakeland’s next offensive possession, they took the lead when Melanie Hudspeth hit her second three point shot of the game.  Two minutes later Melanie Hudspeth hit her third three point shot to extend the Eagle’s lead to 6.  On the defensive end, Lakeland packed the paint to neutralize Royal Oak’s size advantage forcing outside shots.  This strategy worked for most of the quarter, but Royal Oak had a run left in them.   With two minutes remaining Royal Oak was able to claw their way within 2 points.  The Eagles would not be denied and were able to hold on for a 33-31 road win.

Scoring Leaders:  Melanie Hudspeth led with 11 points, Morgan Dial (8), Alyssa Goldman (7), Peyton Foote (3), Sammy McDonald and Maddie Miles (2).

Lakeland attempts over 20 free throws:  (Lakeland: 8/21, 38%.      Royal Oak : 3/7, 31%)

Lakeland improves to 14-5, 9-4 in the conference.