In Dec. 11 Issue
By Derek Aaron
Times Journal Sports Editor

The Lakers downed the rival Casey County Rebels last Thursday night in varsity action, 53-46, at Laker Gym. Junior guard Bryson McFall led the Lakers with 16 points and hit four 3-pointers in the game.

Coach Willie Feldhaus said he was pleased with his team’s defensive effort in the game, especially in the second half when the Rebels went on a run to make it a close game.

At halftime, the Lakers held on to a 25-12 lead.

“Our five-on-five halfcourt defense was good all night,” he said. “And in the first half, from a coach’s perspective, I thought we played perfect on the defensive end.”

Feldhaus didn’t laud just one player for defensive but said everyone that played earned their defensive stripes in the rivalry game.

The Rebels fought back in the third and fourth quarters, even outscoring the Lakers 18-12 in the game’s final frame, but the Lakers managed to tough out the win.

“You have to give Casey County credit though,” he said. “They’re a team kind of like us, they worked extremely hard and were sound defensively as well.”

Feldhaus did note that the play of McFall was exactly what his team needed as senior leader Bryon Ellis had an off shooting night.

“Every great shooter is going to have a game like that, but when it comes to the final two minutes of a game I’d still want Bryon shooting the ball,” Feldhaus said.

He said the play of McFall and others picking up the slack is pivotal for the Lakers to have a strong 2008-09 season.

In the coming days, Feldhaus said his team would be working more on offense, and more specifically his press offense, in practice as the past couple of weeks his club had focused mainly on defense.

He also said his team would continue lifting weights in the school’s weight room as well.

Feldhaus said his playing rotation wasn’t set in stone just yet as he noted several players may work their way into playing time as the season progresses.

“A lot of their playing time is going to depend upon their defensive ability,” he said.

Beside McFall, Robbie Bell and Bryon Ellis also managed double digits, 12 and 10 respectively.

Lucas Justice scored seven points for the Lakers while Zach Carney managed four points. Both Kyle Burchett and Adam Justice scored two apiece for the Lakers.