The Lakeland High School girls’ basketball team faced two opponents over the Thanksgiving break: the Post Falls Trojans and Timberlake Tigers.
On Nov. 16, the Hawks took on the Timberlake Tigers. Throughout the game, both teams maintained persistence and determination, keeping it a close, entertaining cross-district matchup. The final score was 50-41 in favor of the Tigers.
“I feel that the team has improved a lot since the start of the season,” senior Kyla Holte said. “We are all getting in good shape, which allows us to play hard through all four quarters.”
Although this was the first loss of the 2023 season for the Hawks, the gameplay and communication between players were strong.
Confident in the game plan, Hawks’ head coach Tyrel Derrick sent his players into the game with good knowledge of how to react to the Tigers’ plays.
On Nov. 22, the Hawks hosted Post Falls in a nail-biter game that went overtime. The Hawks ended up losing the game 83-76 well into overtime.
Junior Landree Simon led the Hawks, scoring a stunning 28 points. She also was responsible for the game going into overtime by tying the game with a layup during the last moments of regulation.
Shortly after this game-saving effort, turn-around, the Trojans took the lead with a layup and never looked back.
As the fans sat nervously on the edge of their seats, the Hawks were unable to pull through with an upset victory. However, the coaches and players were proud of their ability to drive the ball down the court and maintain communication throughout stressful moments.
“Spending so many hours a day with each other really allows us to get to know one another, which in turn improves our communication on the court,” Holte said.
With players utilizing their shooting, this was a considerably high-scoring affair.
“I would say that one of the team’s biggest strengths is drive,” Holte said.
Running the ball up and down the court is a big strength for the Hawks. The game was only determined by the final moments in overtime, but the Hawks proved their skills can compete with 5A schools.
Lakeland head coach Tyrel Derrick described this game as exciting. Those in attendance took special notice of the Hawks’ ability to keep their head up, regardless of the leads that the Trojans had on them at the time. This drove the Hawks to stay in the game from start to finish.
Ball control and executing difficult plays allow a team to succeed.
The Hawks will play West Valley on Dec. 2 at West Valley High School at 4:30 p.m.
