Lakewood aces in all facets of its game

The Spartans outscored Venice 19-6 in the first quarter and rolled to a 57-25 victory.

By DOUG KATES
Published February 16, 2007

Lakewood took care of business in the first quarter and had the rest of Thursday's quarterfinal to prepare for its next postseason journey.

The Spartans (26-2) outscored Venice (18-11) 19-6 in the first quarter and rolled to a 57-25 victory.

"I felt the difference in the game was our athletes vs. their guys," Lakewood coach Daniel Wright said. "They worked hard, but our guys are very athletic and fundamentally sound, so I think we had a distinct advantage from start to finish."

The Spartans opened with a full-court press, which didn't create a lot of turnovers but appeared to prevent the Indians from setting up their offense. Lakewood's offense then complemented its defense, shooting 9-for-15 from the floor, for the early 13 point lead.

Ironically, the Spartans did not press after the first quarter, but in the final three Venice turned the ball over 15 times (18 total, almost equal to the number of shots they took for the game, 22).

"That's just the way we play," Wright said. "Our offense doesn't score a lot of points. We are a defensive team."

Ten players scored for the Spartans, including Anthony Dorsey with 12 and Rashon Stewart with 10. Only three scored for Venice.

Lakewood faces Largo in an inter-county semifinal Tuesday.

Doug Kates, Times correspondent

[Last modified February 15, 2007, 23:52:41]