The music blaring from the speakers after the final whistle said it all – Lake Clifton is coming for that No. 1 spot.
The No. 5 Lakers (16-3) earned a bid in the City title game set for Tuesday with a complete effort in a 59-52 win over No. 4 Douglass (17-1) Saturday.
Serving as the City Division I title game, the Lakers not only gave the Ducks their first loss, but also put themselves in position for their first City title since 2003.
“It was just a strong, hard-fought game,” Lakers coach Herman “Tree” Harried said.
So too was the Division II title game, in which Northwestern downed City, 66-57, Saturday. The Lakers will square off with the Wildcats Tuesday night at Morgan State?s Hill Field House.
“We?ve got to leave this behind,” Harried said. “Put it in the past and get ready for the next one.”
Harried said after Saturday?s win that his team was fortunate to have a home court advantage in the Division I title game, but notes that at this point, everyone travels well.
“I think it was war on the basketball court,” Harried said. “It was two hard-nosed teams, two competitive teams. The difference wasn?t just about making shots; it was being strong enough to make shots.”
Tied at 48 at the beginning of the fourth quarter, willpower was key in the final frame. Harried attributes his team?s mental toughness to it?s preseason routine. He estimated that nine of his 11 players also compete on the Lake Clifton?s cross country team.
“I think it makes a great difference,” Harried said.
It did Saturday, as the Lakers hit six-of-six free throws in the final 1:10 to pull away.
Junior guard/forward Antoine Allen led the way with 23 points, and snatched a key rebound with 44 seconds left that brought the Lakers? home crowd to its feet.
“He does everything,” Harried said. “He defended ? and I asked him to make shots. That?s a lot to ask of a guy. He does it all.”
Douglass? first loss didn?t come without effort, as Omar Strong scored 30 points.
In the Baltimore County title game Friday, Randallstown defeated Woodlawn, 67-56.
