Thursday, February 19th, the Girls JV Basketball team traveled to Walled Lake Central to wrap up the conference portion of the season schedule, and the Eagles earned a 29-22 victory.  

The first quarter was very up tempo and entertaining.  The Vikings shot well from the outside while the Eagles scored more from the inside and the free throw line.  Hayden Pawlak was able to score multiple fast break baskets while Haley Hewitt was able to go 2-2 from the free throw line.  Payton Gignac was able to score from both as Lakeland kept pace with Walled Lake Central 9-9 after one quarter.  The Eagles adjusted in the second quarter not allowing any more open outside looks for the Vikings as they were only able to muster 2 free throws.   Lakeland’s offense stayed steady with Jaylyn Rhines, Scholastica Usen, and Morgan Ross scoring from the field opening a 15-11 lead at the break.

Lakeland was able to maintain the momentum in the second half again only allowing Walled Lake Central 2 points on a single field goal.  The Eagles also started converting more of their fast break opportunities.  Lauren Burgess scored a field goal, Gignac had a free-throw and Ross scored 6 opening a 24-13 lead after three quarters.  In the fourth quarter the dynamics of the game shifted, allowing the Vikings to mount a late challenge.  Annika Chinavare hit a key free throw while Usen hit a field goal and Gignac went 2-2 from the line to seal the win for the Eagles.   The win earns a season split with the Vikings and an even record in the conference.

Scoring Leaders: Morgan Ross (8), Payton Gignac (6), Hayden Pawlak and Scholastica Usen (4), Jaylyn Rhines, Lauren Burgess, and Haley Hewitt (2),  Annika Chinavare  (1).

Lakeland improves to 7-12 and 6-6 in conference.