Recap and Gallery: Boys’ Basketball vs. SM Northwest

Without hesitation, senior Luke Haverty caught the ball on the left side of the court and launched a shot. Its path was high-arcing, sailing over Haverty’s defender and sinking smoothly through the rim.

The three pointer cut the SM Northwest Cougars’ lead down to only two points. The SM East student section, consisting of less than 50 fans, cheered louder than it had all night.

But within 15 seconds, SM Northwest answered with a basket on the other side of the court. Two turnovers later, the Lancers found the lead sliding back to eight.

After trailing behind the Cougars for the entirety of the game, the Lancers lost to the 7-0 SM Northwest squad 50-35. It was a game characterized by turnovers and sloppy play, one that the entire team wants to learn from and use as motivation to improve.

“As a team we didn’t play very well and turned it over too many times,” junior Gunnar Englund said. “We just need to be less careless with the ball and limit our turnovers. Our defense is playing well and together we just need to get the offense clicking.”

The game began with fast breaks and aggressive offense by SM Northwest, which allowed them a quick lead. Led by nine seniors, the squad played intensely the entire game, attacking the rim and rarely shooting from the outside. Seniors Keaton Cross and Brady Skeens were the major threats on offense, with fellow senior Jake Horner stealing the ball for multiple fast break layups.

The Lancers excelled in half court defense, where junior Lucas Jones dominated the paint and rebounds. Their main struggle came in transition. Between quick SM Northwest hands and sloppy passes from the Lancers, the night was filled with turnovers that the Cougars were quick to capitalize on.

Although the team was able to battle back within four points several times — often after Haverty scored a three pointer — they were unable to cut the lead any closer. The game ended on a Cougars run and was the third straight loss for the Lancers.

“We’ve had a couple of tough losses lately,” Haverty said. “But we’re still hungry and looking to bounce back.”