Lakeview downs Bison with defense

COLUMBUS - The Lakeview girls basketball team got a little defensive in the third quarter Thursday night.

The Viqueens' defense limited Central City to four points in the quarter and went on to a 69-38 win in both teams' final regular-season game at Lakeview High School gym.

Lakeview used a 2-3 zone with a trapping full-court defense in the third quarter to force 11 of the Bison's 35 turnovers while limiting touches by Central City's 6-foot-2 center Jennifer Hefner, who attempted just one shot in the period.

“That was key for us to do that to Hefner,” Lakeview coach Darin Suckstorf said. “We did a great job helping out and staying in front of her, especially in the third quarter. Overall, I thought we played pretty good defense, and that's evident by the four points we gave up. We came out of the locker room at halftime and shot the ball very well.”

Central City coach Dan Negus said the Bison had trouble the entire game against Lakeview's zone. The Bison finished with only 11 field goals.

“We struggled to handle the ball and just didn't shoot well, which is a credit to (Lakeview),” Negus said. “They stayed in the zone the whole game because we didn't shoot the ball well.”

Central City started quickly behind early the outside shooting of Emily Maresh and Kristen Shively, who each hit a 3-pointer, to help the Bison jump out to a 10-2 lead. Lakeview also turned the ball over nine times in the quarter.

The Viqueens responded with Kendra Drinnin leading the comeback. The junior guard, who finished with 17 points, scored seven of the next 11 points as Lakeview led 13-10 after Hailee Stover put back a missed shot at the end of the first quarter.

“I thought we turned the ball way too much in the first quarter,” Suckstorf said. “Once we were able to settle down, we played OK. Kendra really gave us a nice spark and is continuing to shoot the ball very well for us. She is also starting to drive to the basket and get some decent shots when she does that.”

Lakeview upped its lead to 11 points thanks to a 10-0 run in the second quarter.

The Bison whittled the margin back to seven in the third quarter after a Leah Benson basket with 5 minutes, 18 seconds left.

However, the Viqueens stepped up on defense. They held Central City scoreless the rest of the quarter and without a field goal for the next nine minutes.

Drinnin drained a 3-pointer to start a 13-0 run, ending the period and allowing Lakeview to pull away.

“Lakeview is a good team and one of the better teams we have played obviously,” Negus said. “They have a lot of experience and seniors, which is something we lack.”

Up next for the Viqueens is a rematch with Scotus Central Catholic in the Class C1-6 subdistrict at 7:45 p.m. Tuesday at the CHS gym. This past Tuesday, the Shamrocks defeated Lakeview 37-32.

Suckstorf said he likes where the Viqueens are at going into the postseason.

“We scored 69 points tonight, so I think we have our confidence back,” Suckstorf said. “We still need to correct our turnovers, but I think we will be ready to go once we step on the floor Tuesday night.”

Central City (6-12) 10 10 4 14 - 38

Lakeview (11-7) 13 15 16 25 - 69

n Central City-Kristen Shively 3 0-0 1 7, Lexi Malm 3 2-3 0 8, Brooke West 0 0-0 4 0, Emily Maresh 1 0-0 3 3, Sara Shively 0 0-0 3 0, Leah Benson 1 0-0 2 2, Jennifer Hefner 3 12-12 4 18, Taylor Shoemaker 0 0-3 1 0. Totals 11 14-18 18 38.

n Lakeview-Bobbi Hoefelman 0 0-0 1 0, Whitney Saalfeld 3 0-0 4 8, Karlynn Kapels 2 1-2 0 5, Kendra Drinnin 7 0-2 1 17, Brea Muhle 3 2-2 0 8, Blaine Muhle 3 0-0 0 6, Hailee Stover 3 2-2 2 6, Jordan Went 2 3-4 4 7, Alicia Korte 2 1-1 5 5, Ashley Wurdeman 2 3-5 2 7. Totals 26 12-18 19 69.

n 3-point goals-Central City 2 (Maresh, Shively), Lakeview 5 (Drinnin 3, Saalfeld 2).