Lancers Struggle Past Maize

What many expected to be an easy victory for East turned into a close game after the Lancers turned out a sloppy performance against the Maize Eagles on Thursday. In their opening game of the 2013 McPherson Invitational, Shawn Hair’s undefeated squad fell victim to turnovers and poor defensive possessions, keeping a 2-6 Maize team in the game for most of the game.  Maize’s best player and primary ball handler was Tavon Morrow who had a nice crossover and moves with the ball. Morrow also showed athleticism in getting two alley-oop layups during the game.

East jumped out to a quick 8-2 start before Maize began to show signs of life, bringing the score to 16-15 by the middle of the first half. East struggled, plagued by turnovers, before going on a small run, finishing the half up 34-23. East tried to move the ball up the court in transition but never really got going like Coach Hair wanted.

East continued to play sluggishly in the third quarter, posting only a few highlight plays including a monster block by sophomore Lucas Jones. Morrow again carried the Eagles leading them in points and bringing them back into the game only down 5 points. The fourth quarter East again struggled but towards the end got it together and came out with a sloppy 16 point victory. The Lancers had three players in double digits includin Zach Schneider, Lucas Jones, and Vance Wentz leading the way with 22.

The main problem with the game from East was turnovers having 18. Maize had every opportunity to get back in the game and never took advantage. If the Lancers play the same game tomorrow against Blue Valley West then their 9-0 record will most likely be in jeopardy.