When a team has multiple players who can shoot well, odds are they are going to enjoy some success throughout the season.
Last Friday night that was the case for the Silver Lake Regional High boys’ basketball team. Strong shooting and a complete effort for the entirety of the contest propelled them to a 64-54 win over Whitman-Hanson. With the win, the Lakers improved to 7-5 on the season.
“This was a good team effort,’’ Lakers head coach Sean Donovan said. “This was the first 32-minute effort we have had all season. We were able to score the ball and defensively our bigs did a good job of collapsing down when their guards went to the basket. Just a huge win for us.’’
The first quarter went well for the Lakers, even if it was a low-scoring effort. They outscored the Panthers, 8-5. It got more intense in the second quarter, however, when the Lakers put up 18 points, giving them a 26-21 lead at the half. Late in it, they went on an 11-3 run to finish the half. Joe McDonald gave the Lakers a strong effort, scoring eight of those 11 points.
McDonald dropped a team best 16 points for the Lakers. Rob Ventola added 14 points and Joel Gerstenberg gave their team 13 more.
“Rob Ventola scored in bulk tonight,’’ Donovan said. “When he gets going, he’s one of the best shooters around.’’
While their defense allowed the Panthers to come back in the contest, the Lakers hit back-to-back three-pointers to make it 35-28 midway through the third quarter.
Early in the fourth quarter, the Panthers found some momentum and made it a 53-40 fans. While the Panthers went on a 9-2 run late, some late success from the free throw line allowed the Lakers to seal the win.