Lakeshore rallies to top Eddies for district title

Published 10:19 pm Friday, March 8, 2024

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DOWAGIAC — In a rematch of the 2023-24 season opener, Lakeshore avenged a two-point loss to Edwardsburg by defeating the Eddies 47-37 to win the Division 2 Girls District championship at Dowagiac Union High School Friday night.

While officially Lakeshore earned a 2-0 win over Edwardsburg when the Eddies had to forfeit the victory due to the five-quarter rule, this time the Lancers earned the win on the court and will advance to Monday night’s regional semifinal against Vicksburg at Hopkins High School.

Edwardsburg (14-9) looked like it might be able to defeat Lakeshore again as the Eddies jumped out 10-3 lead early in the opening quarter, the Lancers were not about to let the game get too far out of hand.

Even though Edwardsburg led 12-5 after eight minutes, the momentum had begun to swing toward Lakeshore’s side as suddenly shots began to fall and the Lancers were able to force turnovers, which kept the Eddies from increasing its advantage.

Lakeshore (19-4) held a two-point advantage in scoring in the second quarter, which left it trailing Edwardsburg 21-16 at the break.

The Lancers turned the game around in the third quarter as it outscored the Eddies 16-7 to take a 32-28 lead into the final eight minutes of play. Lakeshore seized control of the third quarter with three consecutive 3-pointers, which gave the Lancers the lead for good.

The Eddies tried to make a run in the fourth quarter at the Lancers, but could not get over the hump. Lakeshore hit 5-of-8 free throws down the stretch to keep Edwardsburg at bay.

Shooting was a big difference in the contest as the Lancers shot 39 percent from the floor compared to 29 percent for Edwardsburg.

Edwardsburg held a 33-24 advantage in rebounding, but committed 24 turnovers competed to 16 for Lakeshore.

Paige Lies led the Lancers with 17 points, while Megan Wurster added 14 points, five rebounds and six assists.

Maddie Pobuda and Lainie Dorow both finished with nine points to pace the Eddies.