Boys Basketball

January 27, 2007

Lane Wins a Lifeline

Lane Tech 49

Lakeview 38

Prior to this crucial Red-North conference game Lane Tech was winless in conference play with an 0-7 record. One more loss to Lakeview, the team second to last place would have practically guaranteed a last place finish for Lane in the Red-North. Last place in the conference is not where any team wants to because it means you will be sent down to the Blue-North conference next year. Mather is currently in first place in the Blue-North and will most likely move up to the Red-North next year.

However, Lane gutted out a 49-38 victory over Lakeview to give Lane at least a chance to stay out of last place in the Red-North conference.

The game was played at tiny and ancient Lakeview high school gymnasium where the ceilings are low, the lights are dim and the already small gym courts was made even smaller due to sidelines practically next to fans on the sides and in the corner a wall actually protrudes onto the court, thus eliminating the 3 point shot in that corner.

You knew it was going to be hard fought game form the beginning as each team played stellar defense to lead to a low 6-2 Lane Tech lead to end the first quarter and only 18-13 at the half.

In the second quarter both teams picked it up. Chris Harris, who led Lane in scoring with 14 points hit a couple 3 pointers to give Lane a 29-28 lead to end the third quarter. Rudolfo Fransual (6'1") junior guard replaced Lane star forward Shelton Jackson who injured his ankle and sat out for the rest of the game. Fransual and center Lalo Bellamy provided Lane a strong defensive game to help hold back the Wildcats in the 4th quarter.

"Shelton re-injured the same ankle in the Taft game two weeks ago." said Lane assistant coach Sam Polki. "We have 2 more conference games to go, although we're not sure yet if the Taft game next Tuesday is still on." It is not yet confirmed whether the Taft game will be played next Tuesday or not due to the recent sudden tragic death of a Taft basketball player after their game earlier this week to Senn.

CURRENT CONFERENCE STANDINGS

Shelton Jackson (right) shown here guarding a shot in a game versus Gordon Tech re-injured his ankle but is expected to be back in time to play the rest of the season. Jackson is Lane's top scorer this year.