EAGLES: 38 WALLED LAKE NORTHERN: 32   On Thursday February 29th, the Girls JV Basketball team closed out a 17-4 overall and 12-1 conference season defeating Walled Lake Northern 38-32.  The Eagles came out on fire in the first quarter behind an opportunistic ¾ court press rushing out to a 21-5 lead.  In the second quarter the Knights found their footing, slowing down the Eagles who were only able to extend their lead by 3 going into the break (30-11).  The second half turned into a much different game.  The Eagles struggled to score – only managing 3 field goals and 2 free throws for a total of 8 points.  Walled Lake Northern on the other hand turned up the defensive pressure with their 3-2 zone causing the Eagles fits leading to many fast break points.  Lakeland’s big lead to start proved crucial as they did enough to hold on at the end for the 6-point win.    Eagles scoring was balanced with 8 of 11 players tallying points.  All four Eagle sophomores scored in their final JV game: Anna Linen (15), Haley Aberlich (8), Claire Linen (3) and Aly Dahm (2).  Freshmen contributions came from Alyssa Goldman (5), Matilda Herron (2), Malena Wing (2), and Morgan Dial (1).    Lakeland Finishes the season 17-4.  12-1 in conference.   (Four Game Winning Streak)   Big Thank You to all the parents, fans, and administration for all the support this season.  A special Thank You to George Linen for keeping the scorebook the past two seasons!

Game Date: February 23, 2024   Score EAGLES: 48 WALLED LAKE WESTERN: 23   On Friday, February 23rd, the Girls JV Basketball team earned its 11th conference win defeating Walled Lake Western, 48-23.   Just like the meeting earlier in the year the Eagles full court pressure to start the game fueled a 15-6 lead after the first quarter and a 26-6 lead at halftime.  The Eagles used several different offenses to attack the 2-3 zone defense deployed by the Warriors to post balance scoring in each quarter.  Walled Lake Western played Lakeland evenly in the second half taking advantage of some hot shooting from the three-point line.  Eagles scoring was balanced with 7 of 10 players tallying points.  Claire Linen and Haley Aberlich led the Eagles with 12 and 10 points respectively.  Other scorers include Morgan Dial (9), Anna Linen (6), Alyssa Goldman (5), Aly Dam (4) and Malena Wing (2).     Lakeland Improves to 16-4.  11-1 in conference.   (Four Game Winning Streak)   The Eagles wrap up the season vs. Walled Lake Northern on the road 2/29/24.

Game Date: Feb 21, 2024   Score EAGLES: 48 BIRMINGHAM SEAHOLM: 17   On Wednesday, February 21, the Girls JV Basketball team jumped out to an early lead defeating the Maples, 48-17.    The Eagles jumped out quickly and never looked back, stringing together four very good quarters of play.  Lakeland’s defense was on point both in the ¾ court press and in the half court. When Lakeland wasn’t getting steals of the press, Aly Dahm’s presence in the middle frustrated Seaholm’s half-court offense.  Offensively the Eagles shared the ball extremely well while tying a season low in free throws attempted (3).     Nine of the ten Eagles scored for a balanced attack.   Haley Aberlich (15), Claire Linen (10), Anna Linen (8), Alyssa Goldman (5), Melanie Hudspeth (4), Morgan Dial (2), Malena Wing (2), Maddie Miles (2).   Lakeland Improves to 15-4.  10-1 in conference

Game Date: Feb 15, 2024   Score EAGLES: 35 CASS TECH: 31   Thursday February 15, the Girls JV Basketball team hosted Cass Tech in a re-match of 2/6 where Cass Tech earned a 43-35 win.  After a flat game earlier in the week vs South Lyon, Lakeland came out with something to prove in the first quarter.  Anna Linen scored 8 of her game high 13 points and a stifling Eagles defense allowed the home team to jump out to an 11-0 lead after one quarter.  The Eagles continued to roll to start the second quarter with Alyssa Goldman caping a 17-0 run with a layup at the 5:18 mark.  Cass Tech hit a three-point jumper at 4:51 and put on a 5-0 run to close out the half cutting Lakelands lead to 23-11 at the break.  The Technicians kept the momentum going in the third quarter outscoring Lakeland 14-4.  The 19-4 run pulled Cass Tech within 2 points entering the fourth quarter (27-25).  Both teams played hard in the last quarter with Cass Tech pulling within one point several times.  Lakeland however, was unwilling to give up the lead holding Cass Tech scoreless for the last 4:33 of the game.  Haley Aberlich sealed the game with the only points in the last four minutes – a Layup and a free throw with 0.07 remaining.  Five eagles scored: Anna Linen (13), Haley Aberlich (11), Alyssa Goldman (7), Morgan Dial (2), Claire Linen (2).      Another well-played game between these two teams who split the season series 1-1.    Lakeland Improves to  14-4.  10-1 in conference.

Feb 13, 2024   Score EAGLES: 26 SOUTH LYON: 31   On Tuesday February 13, the Girls JV Basketball team dropped their first conference game at home vs South Lyon, 31-26.    South Lyon came out strong looking to avenge their loss to the Eagles earlier in the year by pressing the Eagles causing many first quarter turnovers, generating a 11-4 lead after 8 minutes.  The Eagles continued to struggle in the second quarter only managing to score 2 points as South Lyon took at 17-6 lead into halftime.  Lakeland came out with much better energy to start the third quarter, pushing the pace closing the gap to 7 (24-17) going into the last quarter.  Both teams battled hard in the fourth quarter with the Lions keeping a consistent 5-point lead until 1:45 remaining when Lakeland pulled within 3 points. The Eagles had several chances to tie the game in the last minute but were unable to get any shots to fall.     Claire Linen led the Eagles with 10 points.  Other scorers include Anna Linen (6), Aly Dahm (5), Morgan Dial (4), and Alyssa Goldman (1).   Key Stats – Good FT shooting by both teams SL: 6/10.  Lakeland: 8/11.  Lakeland and South Lyon split the season series 1-1.   Lakeland falls to 13-4 and 10-1 in conference (Tied with South Lyon)

This past Friday, the Girls JV Basketball team kicked off the showcase by defeating Milford for the third time this season 31-26.      Lakeland started the game strong playing well on both ends of the court holding Milford to only 2 points in route to a ten-point lead at the end of the first quarter (12-2).   Like the past two games of the season – nothing ends up being easy.  Milford was able to find the distance, but Lakeland was able to keep pace with both teams scoring 7 points in the quarter (all of the Eagles points were from the free throw line) maintaining a 10-point halftime lead (19-9).  The third quarter was almost a disaster for the home team with Milford going on a 12-4 run including a three-pointer at the buzzer.  Sophomore Haley Aberlich steadied the Eagles on the defensive end enough to keep the lead going into the final quarter (23-21).   Just like the previous two meetings – the fourth quarter remained tight with key free throws by Claire Linen being the difference allowing the Eagles to prevail with a 5-point win.      Seven Eagles scored, being led by Claire Linen’s 9 points.  Anna Linen (7), Alyssa Goldman (6), Geneva Willis (3), Haley Aberlich (3), Morgan Dial (2) and Aly Dahm (1) rounded out the scoring.  Key Stat – Free throws played a huge part in the game.  Lakeland shot 17/28 (61%) while Milford shot 4/13 (31%)   Lakeland improves to 13-3.  10-0 in conference    Big week coming up with two good games at home:   2/13 vs South Lyon and 2/15 vs Cass Tech

On Tuesday, February 6, the Girls JV Basketball team hosted Cass Tech in a non-conference matchup.  The game started with both teams struggling to settle in and find a rhythm.  Lakeland missed several easy scoring opportunities settling for a 7-5 lead at the end of the first quarter.  The second quarter was a tale of two halves.  The first four minutes Lakeland started making shots and was able to build a 7-point lead only to see Cass Tech storm back to pull within two points at the break (19-17).  Coming out of the break, the Eagles were again able to build another 7-point lead behind a balanced attach.  The Technicians again responded outscoring the Eagles by 3 in the quarter to take a 1-point lead into the fourth quarter (28-29).    The fourth quarter was hotly contested being a 1-point game with two minutes remaining.  Lakeland’s missed free throws and shots around the basket combined with some timely three-point shooting from Cass Tech allowed the Technicians to secure the win 35-43. This was a good game between two very tough teams.        Seven Eagles scored in the game:  Alyssa Goldman (9), Claire Linen (7), Anna Linen (6), Haley Aberlich (5), Aly Dahm and Morgan Dial (3) and Geneva Wills (2).   Key Stats – Lakeland shot 6/17 (35%) while Cass Tech shot 10/19 (53%) from the free throw line.  The rematch will occur 2/15/24 at Lakeland.   Lakeland falls to 12-3.  9-0 in conference.

Score EAGLES: 44 WALLED LAKE CENTRAL: 10   This past Friday, the Girls JV Basketball team continued their winning ways defeating Walled Lake Central for the second time this season, 44-10. The Eagles defensive intensity carried over from earlier in the week limiting the Vikings to 5 total field goals for the game.  Offensively the Eagles played very unselfish moving the ball extremely well against the Vikings 1-3-1 zone.  A 20-2 second quarter and a 12-0 third quarter exemplified how well Lakeland played on both ends of the court.  Eagles scoring was balanced with 8 of 10 tallying points.  Claire Linen (14) and Anna Linen (11) led the Eagles.  Other scorers – Haley Aberlich (7), Morgan Dial (6), Alyssa Goldman and Melina Wing (4), Geneva Willis and Maddie Miles (2). Key Stats – Lakeland made 21 field goals and shot 60% from the free throw line (6/10).  Lakeland will host Cass Tech on Tuesday 2/6/24 and Milford on Friday 2/9/24.   Lakeland improves to 12-2.  9-0 in conference.  (Ten game winning streak). 

Score EAGLES: 40 SOUTH LYON EAST: 22   Tuesday, January 31,  the Girls JV Basketball team completed the season sweep by defeating visiting South Lyon East, 40-22. The Eagles came out with the same game plan as the first meeting – contain the Cougars leading scorer.  Freshmen Alyssa Goldman and Morgan Dial again led the defensive charge holding the SLE star to only 10 points on four field goals.  After halftime Lakeland really turned up the defensive intensity allowing only 6 total points.  On the offensive side of the ball – the Eagles started hot, scoring 16 in the first quarter and 10 in the second en route to a 26-16 halftime lead. Lakeland continued shooting well enough in the second half to outscore SLE in every quarter.  Sophomores Claire Linen (11) and Anna Linen (10) led six Lakeland scorers.  Morgan Dial (8), Alyssa Goldman (4), Haley Aberlich (4) and Geneva Willis 93) rounded out the scoring for the Eagles.  Stats of interest – Lakeland attempted 14 free throws.   Lakeland improves to 11-2.  8-0 in conference.  (Nine game winning streak).

Score EAGLES: 52 WALLED LAKE WESTERN: 20   Friday, January 26, the Girls JV Basketball team continued their hot shooting vs. visiting Walled Lake Western.   The Eagles full court pressure to start the game fueled a 20-6 first quarter run.  In the second quarter Lakeland backed off on the full court pressure and focused on executing vs the Warriors man defense.  Unselfish passing was the driving force behind a 14-1 second quarter run opening up a 34-7 lead at the break.    The Eagles outscored the Warriors by 5 in the second half as both teams continued to play hard.  Eagles scoring was balanced with 9 of 11 tallying points.  Claire Linen  and Morgan Dial led the Eagles with 10 points apiece.  Other scorers – three (6), three (4), one (2). Key Stats – Lakeland made 25 field goals and committed only 6 fouls.  Lakeland will visit WLW on 2/23.   Lakeland improves to 10-2.  7-0 in conference.  (Eight game winning streak).

EAGLES: 54 WALLED LAKE NORTHERN: 29   Tuesday, January 23, the Girls JV Basketball team hosted neighboring Walled Lake Northern.  After a slow start in the first quarter the Eagles poured it on, cruising to a 54-29 win.    During the second and third quarters Lakeland’s aggressive offense scored 34 points en route to the season high score of 54.  Eagles scoring was led by the sophomore class - Anna Linen (13), Haley Aberlich (11) and Claire Linen (10).   Four freshmen also contributed to the balanced attack - Alyssa Goldman (7), Melina Wing (6), Morgan Dial (4), and Melanie Hudspeth (3).  Key Stats – Lakeland made 24 field goals and attempted 15 free throws.   Lakeland will visit WLN to end the season on 2/29.   Lakeland improves to 9-2.  6-0 in conference.  (Seven game winning streak).

This past Tuesday, the Girls JV Basketball team earned a hard-fought overtime road win vs South Lyon, 36-32.    This was a tightly contested game from the start with both teams posting nearly identical stats for field goals made, free throws attempted, and free throws made.      Lakeland came out strong, executing their offense well but were unable to convert at a high enough percentage to build a big lead.  The three-point lead (5-2) at the end of the first quarter would be the largest for the Eagles until overtime.  The Lions came back with a big second quarter to take a slim 2-point lead into the half.  The second half was more of the same with both teams having several chances to score at the end of regulation with the score tied at 31.  In the extra period, Anna Linen scored the only field goal and Alyssa Goldman hit two free throws to close out the scoring.       Claire and Anna Linen led the Eagles with 13 points and 7 points respectively.  Four other Eagles contributed to the scoring, Alyssa Goldman (5), Morgan Dial (4), Melina Wing (4) and Geneva Willis (3).  Key Stats – None, even both ways.   The rematch at Lakeland is scheduled for 2/13.   Lakeland improves to 8-2.  5-0 in conference.  (Six game winning streak).  Next game 1/23 vs. WLN.

This past Thursday,  the Girls JV Basketball team closed out the sub-varsity slate of games by beating Milford for the second time this season, 28-25.    Milford adjusted from the first meeting in December handling Lakeland's full-court man press jumping out to a 10-5 lead after one period of play.   The Eagles were forced to abandon the press in the second quarter as Milford pushed the lead up to 10 before settling for a 19-11 lead at the half.  Even though the Eagles were down in the first half, the offense was generating good scoring looks, the shots were just not going in.    In the second half – Milford maintained a 10-point lead though the middle of the third quarter.  Lakeland adjusted, implementing a 1-2-2 ¾ court press fueling a 7-0 run to end the quarter drawing the Eagles within one point (23-22).  The fourth quarter remained tight until the very end with Alyssa Goldman sealing the win with 2 free throws in the last minute.   Sophomore Claire Linen led Lakeland with 16 points.  Sophomore Haley Aberlich scored 4 and four others adding 2 apiece.   The Eagles are now 2-0 vs Milford on the season with a home matchup on February 9.    Key Stats – Milford made more field goals than Lakeland (10-6).  Lakeland (14/21 – 66%) was much more efficient from the free throw line than Milford (3/12 – 25%) which was the difference.   Lakeland improves to 7-2.  4-0 in conference  (Five game winning streak).  Next game 1/16 @ South Lyon

Last Tuesday, January 9th,  the Girls JV Basketball team picked up a gritty win vs host South Lyon East, defeating the Cougars, 40-12.    The Eagles came in focused on containing the Cougars leading scorer by denying her the ball and shadowing her all over the court.  Freshmen Alyssa Goldman and Morgan Dial led the defensive charge holding the SLE star to only 7 points on three field goals.  On the offensive side of the ball – the Eagles were able to score both in transition and by running their offense effectively.  Sophomores Haley Aberlich and Claire Linen led Lakeland with 8 points each.  Anna Linen (7), Morgan Dial (6) and Aly Dahm (5) were key contributors with three others scoring 2 points each.    Stats of interest – Lakeland scored 17 field goals and went 6/11 (55%) from the FT line.  SLE was held to 5 total field goals.   Lakeland improves to 6-2.  3-0 in conference  (Four game winning streak)

On Friday, January 5th, the JV Girls Basketball team visited host Holly, and the Eagles were just too much for the home team, coming away with a 53-12 win.   After an uneven effort on Wednesday vs. Pinckney the Eagles came out focused, jumping on the Bronchos early for a 21-4 lead after the first quarter.  A suffocating full court man press fueled the first quarter outburst.  The Eagles continued their high level of play in the second and third quarters behind an aggressive half court man defense.  With the game out of reach, the Eagles worked on new offensive concepts in the fourth quarter.    Freshman Alyssa Goldman led Lakeland with 10 points.  Freshman Melina Wing and sophomore Aly Dahm contributed 8 each.  All Eagles scored including Matilda Herron notching her first high school points.  Stats of interest – Lakeland scored 24 field goals and went 5/8 from the FT line (63%).   Lakeland improves to 5-2. (Three game winning streak)

Wednesday, the JV Girls Basketball team defeated Pinckney, 40-30. Claire Linen led the offense, scoring 12 points.  Alyssa Goldman (9pts), Haley Aberlich (7pts), and Melina Wing (4pts) also contributed multiple baskets for the Eagles. Lakeland returns to the court on Friday with a road game at Holly.

This past Thursday, the Girls JV Basketball team picked up a bonus game vs rival Milford to close out the 2023 calendar year.  And, the Eagles went into the break on a positive note, defeating their rival, 26-19.   Lakeland jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead behind a suffocating full court man defense leading to several steals and fast break points.  Milford played very good half court man defense causing the Eagles to only be up 10-7 at halftime.  Scoring in the second half picked up slightly with Milford getting withing 1 (19-20) in the fourth quarter courtesy of an 8 point run.  Lakeland did not panic and responded with their own 6-0 run to end the game. The Eagles played their most complete game of the year defensively and owned the boards on both ends of the court.    Sophomore Claire Linen led Lakeland with 10 points.  Sophomore Haley Aberlich scored 5 and freshman Alyssa Goldman added 4.  Other scorers, Morgan Dial (2) Geneva Willis (2), Aly Dahm (2) and Anna Linen (1).   Lakeland improves to 3-2.   Next games are 1/3 at home vs. Pinckney and 1/5 away at Holly 

This past Tuesday, the Girls JV Basketball  team hosted Brighton in a non-conference matchup.  After a slow first quarter scoring the Eagles outscored Brighton in the second to pull within 4 at the break (16-20).  Alyssa Goldman scored all 7 of her points in the third quarter as the game remained close with the Eagles down 5.  In a defensive third quarter the Eagles were only able to muster a single free throw as Brighton went on to secure the win 44-33.  Sophomores Claire and Anna Linen scored 10 and 9 for Lakeland.  Freshman Morgan Dial chipped in with 6 while sophomore Aly Dahm added 3.   There were several bright spots for the Eagles especially how they handled Brighton’s full court press.  The ladies passed the ball well , burning Brighton for 10 points and forcing them to abandon the press.   Lakeland falls to 2-2.

Last Wednesday, December 13th, the Girls JV Basketball team earned its second win of the season and first win at home defeating St. Catherine, 38-13.   The Eagles jumped out to an early lead with a huge 18-point second quarter.   An aggressive full court defense caused many St. Catherine turnovers that led to easy baskets for the home team. The Eagles did not let up on the defensive end after halftime allowing zero points in the third quarter for the first time this season.  Freshman Alyssa Goldman led the way with 11 points.  Sophomores  Claire and Anna Linen pitched in with 10 and 9 points respectively.  Four others had 2 to round out a balanced scoring attack.  Stat to note – the Eagles made 6/7 free throws to shot 86% from the line.   Lakeland improves to 2-1 and will host Brighton on Tuesday 12/19 to go for 3 in a row. 

This past Friday, the Girls JV Basketball team earned their first win on the road at Walled Lake Central, 42-14.  The Eagles jumped out to an early lead 8-2 after the first quarter and 17-4 at the half over the Vikings. After an even third quarter the Eagles finished the game on a 16-2 run to seal the win.  An aggressive full court man to man defense was the key to the Eagles win.  The Eagles were led by sophomores Anna Linen and Haley Aberlich with 11 points each.  Sophomore Aly Dahm scored 6 and freshman Maddie Miles chipped in with 4 points.  Freshman Melanie Hudspeth (2) also notched her first high school points in the win.  Lakeland improves to 1-1 and will host St. Catherine on Wednesday 12/13 for their first home contest.

Last Tuesday, the Girls JV Basketball team opened their season on the road at Northville.  The Eagles started down 22-1 after the first quarter in an opening night loss to the Mustangs, 56-27.    The Eagles played the Mustangs tough the remaining 3 quarters only being outscored by 8. The Eagles were led by sophomore Anna Linen with 8 points.  Sophomore Haley Aberlich and freshman Alyssa Goldman scored 7 points each.  Freshmen Melina Wing (2), Morgan Dial (1), and Geneva Willis (2) also notched their first high school points in the loss.  In addition to her first points Geneva Willis was poised and calm under pressure making many good decisions on both ends of the floor.   Lakeland falls to 0-1 to start the season.