Eagles impose their will early in 43-36 win on Knights' court

Huron Valley Lakeland completed a season sweep of its neighbor, Walled Lake Northern, with a 43-36 road win on Friday, Feb. 4 to stay in the hunt for the Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division title.

The Eagles (11-2 overall, 6-1 in the KLAA North) were scheduled to face first-place Waterford Kettering on Tuesday, Feb. 1, but the game was postponed because of the snowstorm that hit the lakes area and rescheduled for Monday, Feb. 7, with results not available as of press time.

“This was a good all-around effort coming off a week lay-off (because of Tuesday’s weather postponement),” said Lakeland Coach Mike Head.

Against the Knights (2-12 overall, 2-6 in the KLAA North) last Friday, Lakeland imposed its will early by jumping out to a 12-4 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Northern responded with a 10-6 run in the second quarter and trailed 18-14 at halftime.

The Eagles also lost Jillian Parsons in the second quarter when she reaggravated a knee injury.

Lakeland managed to hold on by outscoring Northern 25-22 in the second half, in part by earning trips to the free-throw line, where the Eagles shot 19-for-34 on the night.

“We hit the boards hard and we were rewarded for it. Now, we need to shoot better from the line when we get there,” Head said.

Ciara Schultz led the Eagles with 19 points on the night, including 8-of-9 free-throw shooting. Stephanie Lock had 9 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals.

Marlayna Malvich also had 8 points and 6 rebounds.

“Malvich brings great energy to the court, especially on the offensive glass. She keeps possessions alive for us,” Head said.

Caitlyn Crowley had 12 points to lead Northern. Kari Knight had 9.

Northern also played at Walled Lake Central on Tuesday, Feb. 1 and fell to the Vikings, 60-48. Knight had 16 points for Northern while Crowley had 14.

Northern hosted Waterford Kettering on Tuesday, Feb. 8 after press time and will play at Walled Lake Western on Friday, Feb. 11.

Lakeland played at Walled Lake Western on Tuesday, Feb. 8 after press time and will host Waterford Mott on Friday, Feb. 11 to finish the KLAA North Division schedule.