E LAKE -The Forest Area Warriors took on the 2-4 Central Lake Trojans on Tuesday, Jan. 9. What would on paper look to be a lopsided match up in favor of the Warriors was not anything near that, as the Trojans put a stamp on the game early, winning with conviction, 61-40.
The single biggest thorn in Forest AreaÕs side was its inability to rebound consistently on either end of the court. Second chance shots were in a beautiful abundance for the Trojans and the Warriors suffered for it.
A feisty combination of Zach Light, Brent Patton and Byron Patton presented problems for the boys clad in green and yellow, and their offense couldnÕt counteract the easy layups Central Lake was getting on the fast break.
Offense was hard to come by for Forest Area, evidenced by the fact no one on the team scored in double figures. Tyler LaneÕs nine points paced the otherwise sluggish display. LightÕs 19 points led the Trojans, while Byron Patton (14 points), Brent Patton (12 points) and John Lidster (10 points) all broke the double figure barrier.
"It was nice to have four guys score double figures for us,Ó said Central Lake head coach Quinn Barry. "I think when we have consistent scoring from our players like that, it makes us a lot harder to beat and defend.Ó
With the Ski Valley victory, Central Lake improves its record to 3-4, while Forest Area also drops to 3-4. The Warriors are 0-3 in the conference.
CENTRAL LAKE - In a week where the Central Lake Trojans may have finally hit their potential stride, they came out and executed the fundamentals in a 71-44 victory over the visiting Mancelona Ironmen on Friday, Jan. 12.
Central LakeÕs main story of the game was their downright abusive dominance of the boards.Ê Receiving second chance opportunities all night long, it was only a matter of time until the TrojansÕ easy layups and breakaways led to the ultimate demise of Mancelona.
A first quarter that saw the Trojans grab an early 22-4 lead spelled doom for the Ironmen and their seemingly off night.Ê Spearheaded by strong perimeter shooting from guard Byron Patton and an inside presence from Zach Light, the home team never looked back.Ê With a 40-17 lead at halftime, they put on the cruise control, eventually winding up with a decisive 71-44 win.
While the TrojansÕ offense was undoubtedly a big part of the success of the game, it was their defense that showed up big as well, putting a clamp on the ever-dangerous Ironmen Jeremy Howard.
"We made a very conscious effort of not letting Jeremy Howard touch the ball,Ó said Central Lake head coach Quinn Barry.Ê "We played good defense against him, and limiting his opportunities was key.Ó
Persistent scoring threats from Brent Patton not only helped secure a victory for the orange and blue, but also gave the senior his 1000th point in his storied high school career.Ê
"I was very proud of how Brent played.Ê He had a lot of pressure to get the milestone in front of the home crowd, but he hung in there
