The562 Internship program is funded by the LBUSD and donations from the Hoy family, the JuJu Foundation, David Cooper, Robert Booth, and Elgato.
The562’s coverage of Lakewood Athletics is sponsored by J.P. Crawford, Class of 2013.
Lakewood girls’ basketball had an exciting victory against Beckman at home, winning 64-53. This big win for the Lancers kept their season alive, as they will move on to the next round of CIF Southern Section playoffs, making their first-ever appearance in the semifinals.
Their high intensity was their hallmark, allowing them to control the game.
“Just execute, that was the game plan,” said team leader Nyemah King said when asked about the Lancers’ keys to victory. Her leadership allowed for her team to secure the win and remain calm under pressure. King had a game-high 26 points as she continues to be the best scorer in the Division 2A bracket.
Subscribe to the562 on GiveButter to make a recurring donation and keep Long Beach sports coverage free!
In the first quarter, Beckman was able to score the first point of the game, but the Lancers bounced back hungry for a win. This would fuel Lakewood to go on a six point run to assert their dominance in the game. Lakewood would end the first quarter leading 13-7.
Lakewood’s success can be credited to their excellent transition game. The Lancers relied on steals to catch their opponents off guard and counter quickly. These mostly came from Nyla Hankins and Amy Rubio, who fed their teammates for easy and open transition buckets.
In the end of the second quarter, Lakewood’s lead would grow, ending the half leading 38-19.
Lakewood and Beckman played an extremely physical game. In the game, Lakewood had 16 opportunities on the line and Beckman had 22.
Beckman would later match Lakewood’s intensity. Towards the beginning of the third quarter, Beckman would go on an eight point run. This allowed Beckman to close Lakewood’s lead to only ten points.
Beckman’s ability to close the gap would frustrate the Lancers. In the third, the Lancers fouled, missed open shots, and had easy turnovers. The Lancer’s visible frustration would only hype up the traveling Beckman team and crowd.
Lakewood would eventually calm down and return to their original game plan of a quick transition game. The Lancers would get back in their groove and end the third leading 53-36.
Amy Rubio emphasized how Lakewood was able to secure their win amidst frustration. “We made sure that nobody gets in our heads, because that really affects us, and made sure we play as a team,” said Rubio.
Although the Lancers had a fierce attack, Beckman would not back down. In the fourth quarter, they continued to play physically and nearly closed the lead to single-digits.
Later in the fourth quarter, Lakewood would continue to grow their lead. This was done by out rebounding Beckan defensively, allowing their aforementioned quick transition game to be successful.
King and the Lancers will continue on in the CIF Division 2A Playoffs traveling to Santa Margarita on Saturday as they try to make it to their first-ever CIF-SS championship.
