Lakers Drop Conference Matchup

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. - The Finger Lakes Community College Men's Basketball team dropped a close matchup with the Panthers of Tompkins Cortland Community College, 72-71. The Lakers fall to 0-1 in conference play, while dropping to 4-6 on the season.

Sophomore Ben Waterman (Savannah, N.Y.) came up big for the Lakers, recording a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds against the Panthers. Waterman dished out 2 assists and pulled in 1 steal in the process. Lakers leading scorer, Sophomore Jevonte Williams (Rochester, N.Y./ Rush Henrietta) was a key contributor to the Lakers offense, adding 16 points, 5 assists, while pulling down 8 rebounds on the night.

Freshman CJ James (Victor, N.Y./ Victor) pulled down 5 rebounds, while also continuing his dominance on the defensive end, with 5 blocked shots. James adds to his season total of 19, which currently ranks 3rd-most in all of the NJCAA, Division III. Teammate Justin Smith Jr. (Lyons, N.Y./ Lyons) came up big on the defensive end, adding 3 blocks while adding 6 points and pulling in 8 rebounds.

Freshman Devon Payton (Rochester, N.Y./ Gates Chili) added 16 points, dished out 1 assist and pulled in 3 rebounds. Payton added to the Lakers defensive effort with 5 steals on the night. Freshman Evan Hauser (Westfield, N.Y. Westfield) added 5 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 block on the night off the bench, while teammate Jaisan Parker (Durhman, N.C./ Bull City Prep) added 6 points, 1 assists, while adding a steal and a block apiece to the Lakers total.

The Lakers struggles continue as the team struggles to find a flow. The Lakers return to play on the road on December 4th at Columbia-Greene Community College at 2 PM as the Lakers attempt to get back on track.