On Tuesday, February 14, 2023, the Lakes boys varsity basketball team hosts Grant at home, for a chance to win a share of the NLCC title. This night won’t only be special for this reason, but also its senior night for 6 important players in the Lakes basketball program. Bryce Lucas, Brock Marino, Cade Primak, Cooper Lopriore, Tyson Dewey, and Tyler Anderson were all key pieces to the team’s success this season, and if they come out on top, it would be a thrilling send-off in these players’ final NLCC game.
Lakes basketball started this season slow, losing their first 3 games. They quickly turned it around, however, and proceeded to win 11 out of their next 12 games, including a win over their arch rival, Antioch. At the time of the final regular season game, Lakes sits at 19-7 overall, and 11-2 in NLCC play. Lakes put themselves into a position to win the conference by beating Grayslake Central at home on February 7th, with a final score of 47-38. This game made them tied for the conference lead with Central, and puts even more importance on this final game vs. Grant.
Their opponent, Grant Community High School, comes into Lakes at 6-18, and 3-8 in NLCC play. While they haven’t been much of a threat to many teams this year, that doesn’t mean they aren’t capable of pulling off an upset. In their last meeting with Lakes, the Bulldogs had an 18 point lead, which they eventually lost. They game ended up going into overtime, where the Eagles would come out on top, 57-52.
The only way Lakes wins an outright title of the NLCC is with a win and a Grayslake Central loss. Grayslake Central’s opponent is Wauconda, who they previously lost to this season. Wauconda, last season’s NLCC champion, has struggled this season, and sits at 14-11. However, they definitely have the ability to upset one of the best teams in the county, and give Lakes a much needed boost of confidence. That game will also be played on the 14th, at 7 pm. The Wauconda Bulldogs and Grayslake Central Rams go at it, within IHSA Regionals right around the corner.
As we look ahead a few days, Lakes hosts their first opponent of the postseason on the 22nd, as they face the Vernon Hills Cougars in the IHSA Regional Semi-Finals. The Eagles faced Vernon Hills earlier this year, on November 29th. Lakes recorded a comeback win, after being down by 6 at the half. The Eagles outscored the Cougars 28-15 in the second half, and took home the victory 48-41.