Lakeland secures win in opener with fourth quarter run

Huron Valley Lakeland opened the 2012-13 season with a 40-29 victory at home over North Farmington on Monday, Nov. 26.

The Eagles (1-0) took control of the game in the fourth quarter with a 16-6 run to hold off the Raiders.

Lakeland sophomore forward Amanda Lock had an impressive performance in her varsity debut, as she led her team with 12 points and 21 rebounds.

“She simply grabbed every rebound she could,” said Lakeland Head Coach Mike Head. “She was particularly effective securing offensive rebounds, giving us additional chances to score.”

Lakeland junior guard Dominique Zigo added 10 points, including a key 3-pointer early in the fourth quarter that gave the Eagles some momentum.

“I thought (Zigo) was pressing a bit in the first half, perhaps too fired up to start her junior campaign,” Head said. “However, she let the game come to her after that and made some things happen for her teammates and herself.”

  Sophomore guard Lena Tiedeman also had 8 points and 4 assists for the Eagles, who led 20-18 at halftime and 24-23 at the end of the third quarter before going on their big fourth quarter run.

Head added that his team had fewer turnovers and more offensive rebounds than the Raiders (0-1).

“The players decided that these would be important determinants for our success during the season. I agree and it certainly paid off in this game,” Head said.

North Farmington’s leading scorer was Kaitlyn Kendall with 13 points; however, 12 of them came in the first half and the Eagles held her in check in the second half.

“We really focused on forcing her to her right because she likes to attack the basket with her left hand,” Head said. “Secondly, we chose to not play help defense off of her. (Lakeland senior) Kelly Merkle really was effective at putting our adjustments into action.”

Lakeland continued non-conference play yesterday, Tuesday, Dec. 4 with a home matchup against Oxford after press time and will next host Wayne Memorial on Tuesday, Dec. 11.