Rangers Top Demons in Conference Opener

Ranger head coach Mike Harper looks on while Christian Massey attempts a free throw. 

The Lakewood girls basketball team overcame a slow start to defeat Westlake 47-38 Wednesday night in the conference opener. This was the second of a six-game road trip to begin the season. Senior guard Saher Hamdan led the Rangers with 16 points, including some key baskets down the stretch. The victory evens Lakewood’s record at 1-1 on the season.

                The game started sluggishly for the Ranger offense, as the team trailed 6-2 with less than three minutes remaining in the first quarter. Lakewood tied the game at 6-6 with 2:18 remaining in the period, as seniors Olivia Nagy and  Isabel Cintron scored back-to-back baskets. Westlake then went on a 12-2 run, taking an 18-8 lead only 37 seconds into the second quarter. Hamdan, who was held scoreless in the first quarter, then scored five points during a 10-0 Ranger run that tied the game at 18 with 4:41 remaining in the first half. Both teams played very aggressive defense, disrupting passes and altering shots. Westlake scored the only basket of the final four plus minutes, a three pointer that gave them a 21-18 lead at halftime.

                The Rangers took their first lead of the game at 6:27 of the third quarter. Hamdan made a pair of free throws to give Lakewood a 24-23 lead. Senior guard Courtney Ribar followed with a three point basket to stretch the lead to 27-23 midway through the third. The teams continued to battle, and Westlake tied the game at 27 with just over two minutes left in the third. The Demons fouled Hamdan on a three point attempt with three seconds remaining in the period, and she made all three free throws to open a 33-28 lead.

                Westlake scored the first four points of the fourth quarter, narrowing the lead to 33-32 with 6:13 remaining in the game. The Rangers pulled away with an 8-1 run over the next four minutes. Hamdan scored five of the eight points, making both a three point shot and two free throws. Lakewood went on to win 47-38.  Nagy finished the game with 14 points; Cintron had 7; and junior Christian Massey had five.

                Lakewood travels to Midview to play the Middies this Saturday in another SWC matchup. Junior varsity is scheduled for 12:30; varsity at 1:45. The Rangers first home game will be December 16 against conference rival Olmsted Falls. That will be the team’s first game in the new gymnasium at the high school.