SUWANEE — If the Class A Private seventh-ranked Lakeview Academy boys haven't played the toughest schedule in Georgia, it'd be interesting to see who has.
The Lions took on Class AAAAAAA No. 1-ranked McEachern Monday in the MLK BCB Showcase at Peachtree Ridge High School falling to the Indians, 73-61. It was the second No. 1 team (Gainesville in Class AAAAAA) the Lions have faced along with Class A power St. Francis, East Hall, and two powerful Florida teams in a tournament over the Christmas break.
McEachern (15-0) jumped out to a 9-0 lead to start the game and Lakeview (12-5) stayed within three possessions most of the rest of the way but could not get closer than eight.
Lakeview Academy coach Todd Cottrell said playing elite teams gives them the experience they want come state tournament time. Of the Lions' five losses, one was to Gainesville, one to McEachern, the two Florida teams, and one to St. Francis. They have beaten the likes of Lumpkin County, East Hall, North Hall, and West Hall as well as a perfect 7-0 mark in Region 8-A so far.
"This is great experience for our guys," Cottrell said. "McEachern came out and shot the ball great at the beginning. We were playing catchup the rest of the way. But the guys kept chipping away and we stayed close enough but just couldn't get a big run of our own. I was pleased with how we played against one of the top two or three teams in the state."
The Cottrell brothers, Drew and Adam, provided half of the scoring for the Lions. Drew finished with 17 points and Adam added 14. Josh Randolph chipped in with 10 points and eight rebounds and Ryan Lackey had nine points and eight assists for Lakeview.
Lakeview Academy next will play host to Hebron Christian on Tuesday as it resumes its Region 8-A schedule.
