Tuesday January 6, the Girls Junior Varsity Basketball team returned to action after the holiday break starting LVC conference play hosting the Vikings of Walled Lake Central.  Form the start the ¾ court pressing defense they Eagles employed generated numerous turnovers and scoring opportunities.  Hayden Pawlak and Jaylyn Rhines were able to cash in on fast break layups in the first quarter leading to a 4-0 lead.  The second quarter was more of the same with Lakeland only able to muster 1-point on a Payton Gignac free throw but was still able to extend their lead as they were able to keep the Vikings off the scoreboard for a 5-0 lead.  Walled Lake Central came out of halftime, able to break into the score sheet, scoring 4 points in the quarter.  Lakeland was up to the task, scoring 5-points of their own on a Morgan Ross basket and a Hayden Pawlak three-point shot at the end of the quarter.  The fourth quarter saw the momentum shift in favor of the Vikings.  Full court pressure sped up the Eagles and allowed the Vikings to get some easy buckets and twelve free throw attempts.  Lakeland kept the lead until 0:30 remaining and had several very good looks to win the game that just didn’t go in.  A fast break basket and a late free throw were enough to allow Walled Lake Central to pull out the 15-13 win.  The young Eagles team showed great fight and is steadily improving.

Scoring Leaders: Hayden Pawlak (5), Morgan Ross (3), Jaylyn Rhines and Lily Wang (2), Payton Gignac (1).

Free Throws:   (Lakeland 2/15, 17%.      WLC  5/16, 31%)

Lakeland falls to 1-5 and 0-1 in conference.