The boys’ Lakeland varsity basketball team could not come up with a win against Post Falls (4-14) on Feb. 4. 

After struggling to gain a lead in the first and second quarters, the Hawks went into halftime down by three points. Lakeland struggled to shut down Trojan, Neil McCarthy, who dropped 18 points. 

In the end, the size advantage Post Falls possessed worked in their favor. Despite Lakeland’s Scotty Hocking contributing 23 points, the Hawks fell short 60-52. 

“We lost it towards the end and we couldn’t stop the momentum they gained,” said Nick Nowell. 

The boys have two games remaining that are not a part of the district tournament. The first will occur at Hawk Court against the Coeur d’Alene Vikings, on Feb. 8. Next, Lakeland will play Lake City the following week. 

“We match up with Coeur d’Alene well. Looking back at fall league we only lost to them by one,” said Hocking. 

The Hawks are working to not turn the ball over as much to limit the number of possessions their opponents have. Many players mentioned that they need to keep playing good defense, and start to hit more shots. 

After the Timberwolves matchup, the Hawks again travel down to face the Moscow Bears if they manage to beat Moscow, they are set to face Sandpoint, who they beat in the intense Battle for the Paddle game. Wins in each of these games are the only way Lakeland can make it to the 4A State Tournament. 

The Hawks have high hopes and are confident heading into the important district games. 

“We’ll compete to win both games, but being down in Moscow will be more of a fight,” said Nowell.