Hardwood Heroes
Lancers Get In The Win Column Versus Berne Union
By: Alex Porter
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STEWART, Ohio – The Federal Hocking Lancers have something they haven’t had in quite some time: a winning record. The Lancers were able to clinch their first win of the season against Berne Union on Friday, winning 73-68 in a nail biter.
Since tip off, the Lancers got off to a speedy start and led for the whole game. Another surprise to start the season for Federal Hocking is the high scoring outburst. 73 points for the Lancers is unusual, especially after scoring around 30 to 40 points every game last season.
A large part of the high scoring for the Lancers came from Hunter Smith and Quinton Basim. Basim totaled 23 points on 60 percent shooting from the field, and Smith added 22, for a combined 45 points.
Senior Brad Russell added 14 points, but his biggest contribution was a monster 18 rebounds. Some would say a “Kevin Love” double double.
Head coach Jonathan Thompson is in his second year at Federal Hocking, and he’s referenced a culture change that he’s trying to instill for the Lancers. So far, it looks like it’s working.
Although the Lancers started the season off with the win against the Rockets, one thing that can be improved upon is the free throw shooting. The Lancers finished the game going 12 of 24 from the charity stripe.
Going 50 percent from the free throw line could be the reason why the Raiders were able to surge back in the fourth quarter, going on a 7-0 run to bring the game within their reach.
The Lancers were able to come out with a win, but the free throw shooting could definitely improve to avoid stressful close game situations in the future.
Overall, the Lancers victory on Friday night can be taken as a plus in many multitudes. The high scoring, the individual effort by several players, and most importantly, the win.
But the Lancers can’t get too high on win one, as they have another match up coming. That contest will be against the Miller Falcons next Friday and the Lancers will look to get another game in the win column.