Lakers rout Oxford, Oak Park to wrap up regular season

West Bloomfield scored two wins last week to finish the regular season and enter the state tournament this week with some momentum on its side.

The Lakers started the week on Tuesday, Feb. 22 with a 52-26 victory over Oak Park (2-16) in their home finale. Senior Jailynn Hamilton scored 10 points in her final home game for West Bloomfield, while sophomore Kheri Motley also contributed 10 points. Both players also grabbed 8 rebounds.

“We got off to a 13-1 lead and never looked back. We were able to get contributions from all of our players, which was good to see,” said Lakers Head Coach Steve Larkin.

West Bloomfield then traveled to Oxford (2-17) on Friday, Feb. 25 and came away with a 50-31 victory on the road.

Sophomore Sydni Davis led West Bloomfield with 11 points while senior Taylor Gunn grabbed 10 rebounds.

“We had 12 players score, which was good to have happen before playoffs when you know you can go to the bench and get contributions,” Larkin said.

“We wanted to be able to play as sharp as possible to tune-up before our game Monday against a very good North Farmington team.”

West Bloomfield finished the regular season with an overall record of 16-4 and a record of 11-3 in the Oakland Activities Association (OAA) White Division, which was good for second-place behind division champion Auburn Hills Avondale, a squad that finished with a 14-0 division record.

Nevertheless, this season marks an incredible turnaround for the Lakers, who were 3-17 last season.

“We had great contribution from a variety of players which makes all of us confident going into our playoff game,” Larkin said.

The Lakers took on North Farmington at a district tournament game at Farmington on Monday, Feb. 28 after press time, with the winner facing Farmington Hills Mercy tonight, Wednesday, March 2.

The district final is on Friday, March 4.