The Lakeland Hawks(1-3) fell to the Lewiston Bengals(4-0) 59-51 in the second home game of the season for the Hawks. Lakeland dropped two close games in the border clash tournament against Spokane Valley schools, East Valley and West Valley.

Trying to bounce back from these losses, the Hawks played their first 5A opponent on Dec. 10 and were able to keep pace with the Bengals throughout the game but fell short in the final minutes. 

Lewiston began the season 3-0 with two marquee wins against Boise schools. The Bengals are still yet to play a home game this season and have managed to win their first four matchups of the season during this road trip.

Coach Hanna explained, “These 5A matchups are certainly more competitive than the majority of our games, but they help the team improve and allow us to perform at a higher level against teams in our division. We have a strong group of guys on this team, and they will have to continue to play at a high level in order to win these games.”

Despite 5A matchups having the potential to deflate the Hawk’s resume, a win against a 5A school would have significant implications for the Hawk’s season. 

The two leading scorers for the Hawks were Bryce Henry and Grant Roth. Roth scored 18 points, including three made 3-point shots, while Henry scored 17, including six in the final quarter.

Down the stretch, the Hawks went to Roth and Henry on multiple occasions trying to use momentum to their advantage. However, the Bengals were prepared for the Hawk’s fourth-quarter gameplan and came out on top with the road victory. 

Lewiston’s quality victory was led by Chanse Eke, who acquired 18 points and commanded the Bengals offense down the stretch. During this tough road trip, Eke has been a large part of the Bengal’s success on their way to four straight victories. 

Despite allowing 18 to Eke, Lakeland held the Bengal’s leading scorers in check, allowing just 15 points between Forsman and McKarcher. 

Lakeland will next play on Dec. 13 against St. Maries at 7 pm on the road. The Hawks can potentially bounce back from three straight losses in a somewhat easier matchup against the 3A Lumberjacks.