GAINESVILLE — At this time of the season, it’s all about positioning.
After Wednesday night’s 64-56 win over Tallulah Falls, the Lakeview Academy boys are right where they want to be. The victory clinched the No. 1 seed from the Region 8-A North subregion in next week’s region tournament.
Coach Todd Cottrell said not only is it how you finish, but where you start.
“This was a big win for us,” he said. “We wanted that No. 1 spot, which gives you a much better chance to advance. I feel like we’ve put ourselves in a good position now.”
The Lions, who are ranked No. 2 in the Class A Private power rankings, trailed just once at 24-22 after a 7-0 Indians run to open the first quarter. But Lakeview (19-5, 14-0 Region 8-A) responded with a 16-0 burst highlighted by a pair of 3-pointers from Adam Cottrell and another from Drew Cottrell. They scored 11 of points in a 1:16 span.
Tallulah Falls (22-2, 12-2) which was looking to pull into a tie with the Lions, never got closer than six the rest of the way, and that came with just 16 seconds left in the game after a furious fourth quarter rally after falling behind by as many as 15 points.
Lakeview sealed the game at the free throw line hitting 16-of-20 from the line in the fourth quarter. They were 24-of-30 for the game. Jack Blackburn hit 7-of-8 in the final two minutes to keep the Indians at bay.
“I thought we played well overall. I really like how we defended, especially early on,” Cottrell said.
The Lions opened the game with a 7-0 run forcing three Tallulah Falls turnovers and took an 11-5 lead after the first quarter. They pushed the lead to 17-9 midway through the second but the Indians closed out the half with an 8-5 run to pull within 22-17 at halftime.
Tre Gober paced Lakeview with 18 points, including draining a sizzling 11-of-12 free throws, most of those in the second half. Drew Cottrell finished with 14 points and Josh Randolph had a double-double for the Lions with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Tallulah Falls was led by Michael Van Hooser, who poured in 20 points, including six 3-pointers. Sanson Navarrete added 10 points for the Indians.
LAKEVIEW ACADEMY GIRLS 91,
TALLULAH FALLS 75
Senior Hanna Grogan poured in 41 points and in the process became the school’s all-time leading scorer, boys or girls, to lead the Lady Lions to the win.
Grogan passed former Lakeview standout Holly Vandiver (1999) who had held the record with 2,049 points. Grogan’s outburst now puts her with 2,061 points -- and counting. Reno Earls holds the boys record with 2,041 points.
“It’s pretty amazing to be able to do something like that. It was great having all my teammates there to support me,” said Grogan, who was presented with a ball from Vandiver after she broke the record in the third quarter.
As for the game, Lakeview (20-4, 12-0 Region 8-A) trailed just once at 3-2 after a 3-pointer by Tallulah’s Nyah Williams less than a minute into the game. But the Lady Lions used a 9-0 run to retake the lead and never trailed again.
The Lady Indians (12-11, 8-4) got as close as 15-11 on a Lillie Free 3-pointer but Lakeview closed out the first quarter with a 10-4 run for a 25-15 lead to take control at the end of the first quarter.
Lakeview exploded for 33 points in the second quarter to blow it open for a 58-35 halftime lead. After pouring in 29 points in the first half, Grogan got the record out of the way moments into the third on a soft floater.
“This is my 43rd year of coaching and only three times have I seen this. It’s rare and special,” Lakeview girls coach John Carrick said. “The best part about Hanna is she is a great person and leader. I’m glad she’s on our team.”
The Lady Lions maintained a near-20-point lead most of the way until Tallulah Falls used a 12-2 run in the fourth quarter to get within 86-73. The Lady Indians would get no closer.
Besides the 41 points, Grogan also pulled down seven rebounds to go with four assists. Christian Copeland added 10 points, four steals, and a whopping 14 assists, many of those to Grogan. Maddy Towles, Tori Taylor, and Ryann Moody each had nine points and Sadie Thrailkill had nine rebounds for Lakeview.
Aida Roberts paced Tallulah Falls with 25 points. Ashley Crosby added 22 points and Williams 21 for the Lady Indians.
