Wilmington Holds Off Lakota West in Fourth Quarter 69-58

[SFIND]

By Bryant Billing

WILMINGTON- For three quarters it was all Wilmington. Then Lakota West made a comeback for six minutes. Then for the last two minutes it was all Wilmington again. In the end the Wilmington Hurricanes (11-3) held off a fourth quarter comeback by Lakota West and went on to win 69-53.

It was relatively close all the way through, though.

It was 2-2 after three minutes of play. An Jordan Hicks three-point basket with 4:19 left gave Lakota West an early 5-3 advantage. Wilmington battled back and was on top 13-9 after one quarter.

The the Hurricanes' wind starting blowing harder.

A Kirby Seeger basket with 3:56 left in the second put Wilmington on top 18-14. Wilmington took a 29-21 lead into the locker room.

But Lakota West didn't give up.

Cody Coomer brought Wilmington within 36-34 with a basket at the 3:28 mark. Lakota West tied it up later in the quarter, but two free-throws at the end put Wilmington up 41-39 at the end of three quarters.

Then the Hurricanes turned it up a notch.

A three-point play by Justin Berlin put Wilmington up 47-41 at the start of the fourth, and Lakota West never got within four points the rest of the night. Wilmington sank some crucial free-throws at the end of the game and that sealed the deal. Wilmington won 69-58.

This was one of the best games I have seen this year. It was close, the fans were into it, and the gym was packed. I wish I could have a tape of that game. Both teams knew how to penetrate.

What kept Lakota West out of this game was their fouling. They didn't foul much, but they made stupid fouls and made a lot of after-shot fouls that sent Wilmington to the line. Wilmington made 24 of their points from the charity stripe while Lakota West made 9 of their points from the charity stripe.

This was a game of the sophomores, too. Wilmington is led by their quick, hard playing sophomore guard Quinten Rollins. He knows how and when to take it to the hoop. Not to mention a great lay-up. Also have a great three-point shooter in Jordan Berlin. Wilmington starts two juniors and three sophomores. They will be a force next year. Not to mention the fact that they will definitely surprise some teams in Dayton this tournament.

Lakota West also has a wealth of sophomores. They are lead by sophomore guard Jordan Hicks. He can dish the ball out, and in return he is left open outside the arc. That results in some wide-open three-pointers. He's very quick and a great ball-handler. They have another good guard in Obi Nwankwo. A nice outside shot and good penetration. Lakota starts one senior, one junior, and three sophomores.

These two teams need to be watched in the coming years. Remember those name, because in a couple of years they will be more popular.

Here's Some Stats: Individual: Player, Field Goals made/attempted, Total points. Lakota West- Cameron Collins 3-7 8; Obi Nwankwo 4-7 11; Jordan Hicks 3-10 24; Brandon Candella 1-4 2; Cody Commer 2-4 5; Alex Smith 1-2 2. Wilmington- Quinten Rollins 8-13 21; Brandon Arehart 0-2 2; Nyles Williams 3-7 8; Craig Osterbrock 1-6 9; Jordan Berlin 2-5 16; Malcolm Heard 1-2 4; Kirby Seeger 4-6 8. Team- Field goals, Three-Pointers, Free-Throws, Turnovers, Rebounds. Lakota West- 14-35 (40%), 7-18 (38%), 9-14 (64%), 15, 23. Wilmington- 19-39 (49%), 2-12 (16%), 25-31 (81%), 8, 17.