The Lakeview Gators opened up the season in the Lakeside tournament with a game against basketball powerhouse, the Arcadia Hornets. Lakeview’s winning tradition is unmatched by many in the state, but Arcadia is not one. Arcadia’s basketball dominance in 1A is known throughout the state, especially coming off a State Title run for the 2020-2021 season. With Lakeview making consecutive Top 28 appearances, 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 season, this game was highly anticipated to gauge the future success of each program for the 2021-2022 season.
The game started off fast and up-tempo with several quick shots from both teams. Alonzo Driver was able to put the first points on the board with a steal and lay-up. Lakeview immediately jumped into their press and set the tone early. Lakeview racked up turnover after turnover with their swarming press. At the end of the first quarter, the score was 27 to 7, in favor of Lakeview.
As the second quarter began, Arcadia settled down and began to handle the Lakeview pressure. Arcadia guards were able to find the open players and gather points as a collective unit. With the combination of lay-ups and trips to the foul line, Arcadia started to make a game of the event. When things were looking up for the hornets, Andre Sowell caught fire and scored 13 points in the second quarter alone. Andre scored with flare and confidence, draining several three pointers from well behind the line and some contested dribble pull ups. Lakeview outscored Arcadia 29 to 26 in the second quarter giving the half time score of 56-33 in favor of Lakeview.
The third quarter started off much like the game, with heavy pressure and several turnovers. Javonte Howard woke up and scored 8 points in the quarter alone. Javonte also shared the wealth making some fancy no look passes and getting his team involved. Lakeview outscored Arcadia 20 to 9 in the third quarter ending the quarter with a 76 to 42 score.
Coach Williams used the 4th quarter as time to see what his future is going to be and emptied his bench.
“The bench has a lot of growing to do. I explain to the players that there is no such thing as garbage time. The players must execute and stay the course regardless of the score or the personnel,” stated Coach Williams.
As a whole, the Lakeview squad only has two seniors so it’s scary what the future may hold for the Lakeview Gators. Arcadia outscored Lakeview 16 to 11 ending the game with an 87 to 58 score.
A. Driver 16 points, A. Sowell 15 points, J. Howard 13 points
J. Reliford 10 rebounds, C. Holden 7 rebounds, C. Jones 5 rebounds
J. Howard 4 steals, C. Holden 3 steals, J. Harris 2 steals
