Lakers Win in Sophomore Sendoff

CANANDAIGUA -- In the final home game of the regular season, Finger Lakes Community College defeated Cayuga Community College 81-48 in Men's Basketball. The Lakers, who are ranked 9th in the NJCAA, are now 20-4 on the season and 9-2 in the Mid-State Athletic Conference.

Finger Lakes got out on top of the Spartans early. Brandon Bullock opened the game with a three pointer. That was followed by a basket by Torry Wright and a three by Dylan Verkey. Jawanza Longmire got into the action. The sophomore making his first career start scored seven straight points, including a pair of three pointers. The three's were also the first of his career. A Dylan Verkey layup capped the 20-0 Laker run to start the game. Cayuga got their first bucket with 11:16 left to play in the first. The Lakers remained in control for the rest of the half. Cayuga closed on a 9-0 run, but Finger Lakes led at halftime, 35-19.

Longmire led the Lakers in the first half with nine points. Brandon Bullock had eight points, five rebounds, and five assists in the half. Kievonn Banks had a game-leading eight rebounds. The Lakers defense limited Cayuga to 6-37 from the field, 16% shooting.

Cayuga would narrow the lead down to 14 points, but then the Lakers went on a small 7-0 run to push the lead back out. A Dylan Verkey three pointer would push the lead back over 20 points with 14 minutes left to play. The Lakers would maintain that margin and slowly grow it throughout the rest of the half on their way to an 81-48 victory.

Torry Wright led the Lakers in scoring with 16 points. He also added 11 rebounds for his fourth straight double-double and ninth of the season. Jawanza Longmire finished tying his career-high with 13 points. Brandon Bullock also had 13 points along with seven rebounds and six assists. Dylan Verkey rounded out the double figure scoring with 11 points. Kievonn Banks scored only seven points, but made an impact with a career-high 15 rebounds. Banks' effort helped lead the Lakers to a 55-39 advantage on the boards.

The win as Finger Lakes' 20th of the season. It is the 7th time in his 13 years at the helm of the Lakers that Head Coach Richard Jones has guided the Lakers to the 20 win plateau.

Finger Lakes will conclude the regular season this Saturday in a key Mid-State Athletic Conference matchup at Onondaga Community College. The showdown between the Lakers and the Lazers will start at 3pm from Syracuse.