Lakers Comeback Falls Short in Region III Matchup

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. - The Lakers were at home in a NCJAA Region III matchup with the visiting Cougars of Genesee Community College. The Lakers battled back and forth with the Cougars, however, the Cougars came out on top, 83-79.

The trailed most of the game, but made a comeback attempt late in the 2nd-half, taking a 75-74 lead over the Cougars off from a Austin Franklin (Huntsville, A.L./ Prince George) 3-point basket. However, the Cougars remained poised and made a run in the last 3 minutes to secure the 4-point victory. Franklin finished with 5 points, 1 assist, 1 rebound and 2 steals.

The Lakers were led by Jaisan Parker (Durham, N.C./ Bull City Prep) who dropped 21 points on the night. Parker added 1 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals to his total as well. Coming off from the bench, guard Devon Payton (Rochester, N.Y./ Gates Chili) played a crucial role late in the game, scoring 15 of his 19 points in the 2nd-half on 4-9 shooting from beyond-the-arc. 

Sophomore Ben Waterman (Savannah, N.Y.) continued his consistent play, adding in 13 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal. Big men Mysiah Williams (Brooklyn, N.Y./ Abraham Lincoln) and CJ James (Victor, N.Y./ Victor) led the way in the rebounding category, with Williams pulling in 7 and and James pulling in 12. James also finished with 9 points, 1 assist, 5 steals and 1 block, while Williams added 12 points, 2 assists and 1 block. 

Despite the loss, the Lakers have come around to playing some very good basketball in the second-half of the season. The team looks to get back on track, when they travel to SUNY Broome Community College in a Mid-State Athletic Conference matchup on January 26th at 7:30 PM.