The Prior Lake Laker girls’ and boys’ varsity basketball teams played unique back-to-back games on Friday, Dec. 20 at Prior Lake High School. The gymnasium was buzzing as the Lakers took on neighboring Shakopee, with many attendees also showing up to support the “Coaches Against Cancer” fundraiser.
The Lakers girls’ team started off hot from three-point range connecting on their first three shots to give them an early lead. The rest of the half was played evenly with the Lakers ahead by one at halftime. The second half saw even play, but with 30 seconds remaining, a rebound and putback by senior forward Josie Horner gave the Lakers a five-point lead. The game was capped off with a couple of free throws by sophomore Toni Fisher with seconds remaining, which helped seal the victory.
The leading scorers were seniors Alaya Carter and Brooklyn Holmberg, each with 12 points. Recent state 4A rankings had the Laker girls team ranked #8, with a 6 – 2 record. They will next play at the Granite City Classic in St. Cloud the weekend following Christmas.
The Laker boys’ team followed that game and kept the excitement going. There were a number of small runs by both teams and the lead went back and forth several times.
The second half began much slower for the Lakers as they fell behind. With just over 10 minutes to go, the score was 50-40 in favor of Shakopee. That was about the time the game really opened up with scoring the three-pointers and tough drives to the basket falling for both teams. The Laker defense stepped up twice as the clock ran out and the created steals opportunities that would turn into points.
Defensive pressure was put on by two senior Laker guards, Alex Hulskotter and Brayden Thompson. The shots started falling again for the Lakers with 3:30 to go. The score was a 66-65 score in favor of Prior Lake. It remained tight down the stretch with a number of key freethrows made by senior Norbu Jenpa. The Lakers took a three-point lead with 13 seconds remaining. Shakopee was able to get off a last-second three-pointer, bringing it to a tie game and sending it into overtime.
The Lakers’ strong defense and inside game in overtime was the difference as they were able to post a 88-84 win.
Jenpa finished with 25 points, as Thompson and Sophomore Kobby Sam-Brew contributed double figures. The Laker boys will also play in the Granite City Classic next weekend and defend their current 6-1 record under first-year Head Coach Brian Jungwirth.
In a few other PLHS sports upcoming events this week:
- The Wrestling team will be on the mat at the Rogers Tournament on Dec. 27-28.
- Boys Hockey will be hosting top teams in Hill-Murray (Dec. 26) & Cretin-Derham Hall (Dec. 27) both at 5 p.m. at Dakotah Ice Center in Prior Lake.
- The Laker Swimming and Diving team will be looking to make a splash at the Grand Rapids meet on Dec.27.