Lakers Fall in Season Opener

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. - The Finger Lakes Community College Men's Basketball team battled in a tough match against the Tribunes of Monroe Community College. The Laker ultimately fell to their Regional opponent with a final score of 93-77. 

The Lakers started out slow, as the Tribunes jumped out to a commanding 18-0 lead early in the 1st half. The Laker went on to outscore the Tribunes, 36-29, to go into the half trailing by 11, with a score of 47-36. Freshman Austin Franklin (Prince George, V.A./ Prince George) added a spark to the offense early in the 1st half, taking a steal all the way to the rack for a emphatic dunk to liven the team and the crowd. Freshman Javonte Williams (Rochester, N.Y./ Rush-Henrietta) helped pace the offense, adding 10 points while Freshman Devon Payton (Rochester, N.Y./ Gates-Chili) added 8 points, with 6 coming from beyond the arc.

The Lakers offense caught fire in the 2nd half, Danny Amador (Naples, F.L./ Palmetto Ridge) knocked down a jump shot and two free throws early in the half to trimp the Tribunes lead to 8 points. However, the Lakers offense struggled to hold off the Tribunes attack, as they maintained their cushion for the remainder of the half. The game slipped away from the Lakers late in the 2nd half to give the Tribunes the 16 point victory. 

Javonte Williams led all scorers, dropping in 21 points, while also adding 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block. Devon Payton proved to be threat from the 3 point line, dropping in 3 of his 8 shots beyond the arc, adding 13 points to the Lakers total. Sophomore Ben Waterman (Savannah, N.Y./ - ) played an all-around game, adding 8 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals on 1-8 shooting and 6-8 from the free throw line.

After a tough first match of the season, the Lakers showed they are a dangerous squad with a lot of potential going down the road. However, the Lakers look to get back to work and make a statement in their next matchup against the Katz of Erie Community College Saturday, November 6th at 3 P.M.