A barrage of 3-pointers in the middle two quarters and a game-long stifling defense propelled Lake Central to a convincing 67-46 over La Porte Friday night at Lake Central. Lake Central defeated LP 65-48 a week ago in the championship game of the Steiner Homes La Porte Holiday Tournament. This made Friday’s game a rare back-to-back matchup for both teams.

The Slicers jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first minute of the game on a 3-pointer by Kyle Kirkham and a layup by Ja’Meriyon Cross. Lake Central’s defense allow LP only 5 more points in the quarter and led 12-10 after one period. Four different Indians hit 3-pointers in the second quarter as Lake Central outscored La Porte 23-11 to take a 35-21 lead into the half.

 

The halftime break didn’t cool the hot-shooting Indians off. They hit their first three shots, all 3 pointers, for a 9-0 run to start the third quarter and never looked back. Lake Central outscored the Slicers 27-13 in the third and held a 62-34 lead heading into the final period. Substitutes played much of the fourth quarter for both teams with the Slicers outscoring Lake Central 12-5 to make the final 67-46.

 

Lake Central hit twelve 3-pointers in the game and was the stronger and more physical team throughout.

La Porte was led in scoring by Cross with 11, Malik Corley with 10, and Kyle Kirkham, who had 8 points before leaving the game in the second half with a leg injury. Dominic Thomson, who was named the Salisbury and Spence Player of the game, had 6 fourth-quarter points. Dylan Salisbury and RJ Anglin each had 4 points while Tommy Samuelson hit a free throw. Jacob Smith led all scorers with 16 for the Indians while Xavier Williams tossed in 13.

The JV and freshmen teams had no more luck than the varsity. The JV’s fell 52-27 while the freshmen dropped a 41-23 decision.

 

La Porte’s record dropped to 8-4 on the year. Lake Central won their ninth straight game after losing their season opener to South Bend Washington.

 

The Slicers will return to Lake County on Tuesday night when they travel to Lowell. The JV game will tip off at 5:30, and Varsity at 7:00. Pre-game will air around 6:45 on WCOE 96.7.

 

Photos courtesy of Susan Anglin.