LANCERS LOOK TO CONTINUE DOMINANCE IN SECOND HALF
Record: 8-2 (Third place in OCAA East Division – top 8 qualify for playoffs)
Notable player stats: Third-year forward Jeremiah Brown (17.1 points per game), first-year guard Ebenezer Teklezgi (15.6 points per game), third-year guard Angelo Sarsonas (12.1 points per game and has recorded 4.8 assists per game).
Breakdown:
The Lancers got off to a great start by going undefeated in the month of October, followed with a 5-2 November to end the first half with an impressive 8-2 record. Having only lost to the top two teams in the league, the Lancers have proven to be one of the best and toughest teams in the east. Part of the team's success can be attributed to it's incredible depth that allows for options and adjustments from game to game. A total of nine players are averaging at least ten minutes per game while five have netted a minimum of ten points per contest.
Third-year transfer student Jeremiah Brown has been extremely effective in the first half of the season for the Lancers. He leads with calm, veteran knowledge that keeps his team in check while also igniting them with his passion and effortless abilities. Currently leading the team with 171 points and 68 rebounds, Brown's athleticism and length has been a difference maker as it allows him to maintain a strong pull-up jumper and get to the rim.
The Lancers have found consistency in their field-goal percentages thus far. On the season, the Lancers are shooting 46.9 percent from the field to go along with 30 percent from beyond the three-point line, and 63.3 percent on free throws.
Players to Watch:
Ebenezer Teklezgi has had a great first half. He started out the season strong and has continued to develop and improve with every passing game. He's cut down on unforced errors and is starting to show off his intelligence on the court with smart passes and good decision.
Like Teklezgi, first year player Brodie Byford has made huge improvements since he began training with the Lancers. He's gradually gaining more confidence on the court and it's reflected in the minutes he's earning. Byford leads the team in blocks with 9 and sits in third for total rebounds, just behind veteran duo Brown & Akim Ruot.
Second half preview:
The Lancers start the second half of the season with back-to-back road trips against the Durham Lords (3-7) and Georgian Grizzlies (6-4). The Lancers look to get even with the Sting in a marquee matchup on home court on January 24th and again against the Huskies on February 8th. The Lancers finish the regular season with a road trip to the nations capital where they play the Algonquin Thunder and La Cite Coyotes.
While currently sitting in a playoff spot, the Lancers need to continue to play an up tempo, team game and maintain the lead in close games down the stretch. With playoffs on the line, all teams will be laying it all out in the second half.