Lake Region gets Class B South title 42-34 over Freeport

(Portland ME) Was it great defense?

Was it off shooting?

Who’s to know for sure but Freeport struggled mightily trying to score against Lake Region in the second half and lost in the Class B South finals to the Lakers, 42-34, on Saturday afternoon.

“I can’t comprehend that were going to be in the states,” said LR coach Paul True afterwards.

While the Falcons (16-5) had shooting woes (2-for-26 in the second half) the Lakers (16-5) had their own problem: turnovers.

The team from Naples had twenty-five miscues, including seven in the 4^th quarter and as a result a comfortable, 37-24, lead with 7:23 remaining in the 4th quarter melted to 38-34 with fifty second left.

But then LR freshman (Shauna Hancock) stopped the Falcons comeback with huge plays on both ends of the court.  First, she cashed two pressure-laden free throws and then she created a turnover with a steal.  Freeport momentum was ended, and the Lakers settled in for the victory.

Chandler True was chosen MVP in the B South tournament.  Chandler led all scorers with fifteen points including ten in the second half.

You may have seen the bumper sticker: Ask me about my grandchildren.  We love to talk about them.  Just tee us up to do it!  When asked about his daughter being MVP, Coach True fluctuated between beaming and being teary-eyed.  “She’s a great kid,” were the best words he could put together to describe Chandler.

Both teams applied pressure wherever they could.  Freeport coach Mike Hart reportedly said that the Lakers’ defense was “everywhere.”

Both defenses begged the opponent to throw a long pass, which they often intercepted.

Both defenses also cluttered the middle.  Drives met multiple defenders most of the afternoon.

Double-teams showed up regularly.

The Lakers were able to tally several breakaway baskets.

A 14-4 third quarter gave the Lakers separation.  Three’s by Chandler True and Rachel Shanks (11 points) were big shots for LR in that segment.

It took the Falcons five minutes before they put up any points in the 3^rd period.  Megan Cormier ended the point famine with a jumper.

Coach True marveled at the parity of the B South teams: “Any number of teams from our conference could have been where we are now.”

Caroline Smith paced Freeport with ten points.

Reaching the B South finals was historic for Freeport.  Last time they were there? 1977!

Lake Region and Freeport faced each other on February 2^nd at Naples.  The Falcons took that one 59-47.  I saw an interview that Chandler True did on that game.  She said that LR was up by ten points in the 3^rd quarter and then got into foul trouble and lost.

Freeport’s Allie Goodman had twenty-two points in the first meeting while teammate Caroline Smith recorded eighteen points.  Three + weeks later the Lakers defense held Allie to six and Caroline to four.

The Lakers had to defeat the defending Class B state champs (Gray-New Gloucester) to reach today’s finals.

Lake Region will play Winslow in Bangor on Friday night for the title.

Lauren Jakobs had nine rebounds and seven points for LR.

Thanks to Rivalries for supplying me with the stats for this game.

Box from the game

(All of the pictures will enlarge if you click on them.)