LCC falls in state title game, sets sights on districts

Denny Schwarze, Lansing State Journal

The Lansing Community College men's basketball team was hoping to parlay its recent Western Division title into a state championship on Monday night when the Stars hosted Schoolcraft College.

But Schoolcraft was able to avenge a previous overtime loss to the Stars from December that knocked them from the top ranking in the country.

The Ocelots prevailed at Gannon Gym in the rematch, 89-79. Despite a second half surge that saw Lansing Community College take a 61-60 lead, Schoolcraft regained control after leading for almost the entire second half.

"I think our young guys struggled a little bit and our leadership wasn't as good as it has been, especially in the first half," Stars coach Mike Ingram said. "I think we have to get back to being a little more team-oriented at both ends of the court. I don't think we were very good at that. We're the type of team that needs everything to be clicking for us."

A spirited first half saw Schoolcraft close strong. Freshman Isaiah Green had 10 points over the first 10 minutes of the first half to help the Stars (26-4) to a one-point lead and had 16 of his 22 points in the first half, but Schoolcraft led by nine after 20 minutes.

Lansing assumed its 61-60 lead with 9:30 left, but Schoolcraft ripped off four quick points to go back in front.

Lansing never led again. A block from Anthony Wartley-Fritz on one end led to an acrobatic lay in by Tyler Johnson on the other for Schoolcraft and the lead was back to five points at 70-65.

"I think we got a couple of easy baskets. We got the ball inside a couple possessions to get those easy baskets and we continued to penetrate and get to the free throw line," Schoolcraft coach Abe Mashhour said. "The key was on the defensive end. We cut off their penetration."

Ball movement for Lansing was not sharp in the second half. Communication breakdowns and poor ball rotation hurt the Stars' offensive possessions in the pivotal moments of the game.

"We hit some big shots and in the second half we brought it back, but the biggest thing was we didn't stick together," Lansing freshman Jimmy Kodet of Williamston said. "From here on out, each team we play is just going to get tougher. … We're a team that plays with camaraderie and when we stick together, like we normally do, we will win games."

Lansing will get that opportunity as it begins the district tournament at Delta College later this week. The Stars will play the winner of Jackson and Ancilla at 3 p.m. on Friday.

"Win or lose, we knew we were going to have the opportunity to play next and go to the nationals. Our three goals were to win the conference, win the state championship, and we got here and now our next goal is to try to get back to the nationals," Ingram said. "We stand a good chance at that. The top two teams in the state played for this championship, so I think come Friday we'll be the favorite to come through on our side."

"If we're blessed enough to get to the national tournament, these are the kinds of teams we have to beat," Mashhour said. "Home court, non-home court, doesn't matter. You're going to play a good team. They're the best team on our schedule all year."

Kodet also had 22 points for the Stars to match Green. Both players also grabbed 12 rebounds.

East Lansing's Javon Haines added 15 points and five rebounds and Eastern product Brian Morton had 10 points and four assists.