By Marco Clark
The Lakeview Gators are prime examples of the saying “it’s not over until it’s over.” During the first quarter the Gators looked sluggish and out of sync. They were unable to move the ball on offense. The Lions took an early lead. Jakaleb McGee of Plain Dealing led all scores in the first with 8 while Zarious Lewis put up 7 for the Gators. The Lions extend their lead early in the second. Lakeview’s Christopher Small inbounded the ball to Michael Banks to set up Daviion Telsee for the long shot. Lion Deanthony Briggs drifted towards their goal to await the inbound pass for the easy lay-up. As the quarter progressed, both teams had trouble finding a rhythm on offense. Coming out of the half, LeAndre Ruffin found an open Demondre Young for a 3-pointer to tie. Plain Dealing did not throw in the towel.
Plain Dealing’s Derrien Perry connected on three 3-pointers to give the Lions a 43-40 lead at the end of the third. Lakeview trailed the entire game against Plain Dealing Tuesday until late in the fourth quarter with 4:35 left on the clock. The comeback was a direct result of Coach Dewaski Fuller’s adjustments on defense. He implemented a full court press forcing five turnovers that were converted into points giving the Gators a 10-point swing. The Lions turned the ball over at the start of the fourth. Lakeview capitalized with a lay-up brining them within one-point of their foes. Lakeview kept the pressure on the Lions forcing four additional turnovers. The Gators took the lead for the first time. Ruffin helped bring the Gators back from a deficit for a 61-48 win. Zarious Lewis led in scoring with 22, Telsee added 8 and Young finished with 9 points and five rebounds. Lakeview travels south to participate in the Walk-Ons Invitational Tournament in Tioga and Pineville Dec. 6-8 then back home for a match-up with Mansfield Dec. 12.
