After a wild game only a few days ago, the Lakeland Hawks (5-2) boys basketball team took on another rival, the Timberlake Tigers (3-6). While this game was not necessarily easy for either team, the Hawks added another win to the tally.
The Hawks won 72-55, maintaining their average of over 70 points per game.
Sophomore Peyton Hillman got his first starting game for varsity after being a “floater” at the beginning of the season. He moved in to replace Toby Tebbe, who is out 6-8 weeks due to a broken fibula received during the game against Lewiston. Hillman had ten rebounds for Lakeland. Junior Ben Roth scored 13 points for the Hawks. Tyler Engelson scored 28 points throughout the entire game, 20 in the second half for the Tigers.
What it ultimately came down to during the game was size. Lakeland was able to dominate the Tigers because they had an easier time defensively, considering the size advantage. Coaches and players on the Lakeland team were also able to see drive and determination in every player on the court. Enduring the game can be difficult, especially for players who are on the court for the majority of the game. Players such as senior Ben Ryan find motivation to stay in for a lot of the game in their teammates.
“Feeling great, it was a great win,” Senior Ben Ryan said in an interview shortly after the game.
Ryan was the player of the game with 22 points and 12 rebounds. One of Lakeland’s big strengths is its ability to keep calm when the game becomes less predictable. This applies not only to players but also to coaches, parents and students watching the game.
Being able to encourage the players to do their best and build up the team allows the Hawks to have confidence in themselves regardless of the current score. This helped the team win and walk away confident in their skills and playing style. Within the team, there are separate strengths that come together to support each other and the team as a whole. That is what the Hawks did on Monday night.
The Hawks must hit the road over the winter break for their upcoming game in Idaho Falls. Traveling for games can be difficult and uncomfortable for teams. But some players feel it is exciting for the team because they get to spend time with their teammates. The Lakeland team will be in Idaho Falls on Dec. 28 and plays Skyline at the East Idaho Holiday Classic tournament.
