Middle School Boys Basketball: Lakeside Defeats Grovetown

Lakeside's versatility prevailed against Grovetown's perimeter attack in the second game in as many days for the Columbia County middle school teams.  After trailing early, Lakeside's consistent attacking of the basket wore the Patriots down.  The Panthers established a lead late in the second quarter and never relinquished it, winning 35-30 and improving to 2-0.  Grovetown falls to 1-1.

Lakeside's Artest Banks consistently attacked the basket throughout the game, and the 7th grader seemed to constantly be shooting free throws.  Banks scored 6 of the Panthers first 10 points and kept Lakeside within striking distance early.  Banks finished with 12 points after scoring 9 in Thursday's win over Harlem.

Jump Ball at Lakeside Middle School

But Kre'sean Hall's versatility broke the game open Friday.  Hall led the Panthers, scoring 13 points for the second consecutive game.  After doing most of his damage from three point land Thursday, Hall attacked the basket off the dribble and handled Grovetown's full court man to man pressure with ease Friday.

While Grovetown seemed content to shoot mostly three pointers against Lakeside's 2-3 zone, Lakeside used Grovetown's full court man to man defense to get Hall and Banks the ball in a position to attack, getting easy baskets and free throw opportunities. 

Jelani Shakir scored 12 points to lead Grovetown. Lakeside visits Columbia Middle School Tuesday, while Grovetown will host Greenbrier.