Teamwork, hot shooting of Fassos lead to LRSC win
When the Lake Region State College men's basketball team has won big basketball games this season, it has had someone step up offensively.
Article by Harry Lipsiea, Devils Lake Journal Sports, February 24th, 2017.
When the Lake Region State College men's basketball team has won big basketball games this season, it has had someone step up offensively. Against United Tribes Technical College Sunday, it was Drew Thielges.
In a meaningful game on the road playing Dakota College at Bottineau Thursday evening, Nic Fassos came up with perhaps with his best game as a Royal. The freshman, who finished 8-for-10 on the night including 7-9 from beyond the arc, led the way with 26 points.
"Nic hit shot after shot tonight," second-year LRSC head coach Jared Marshall pointed out. "We continue to have guys step up and make plays late in the year."
With the win, the Royals checked off two of its goals for the season: Record 20 wins and host a playoff game. LRSC, now 20-10, hosts Williston State College at 7 p.m. Wednesday evening in the first round of the playoffs.
"I couldn't be prouder of this team," Marshall told the Journal.
The Royals led 39-30 at the half before earning the 87-78 victory over a determined Lumberjack squad. Despite a strong effort by the home team, LRSC led by at least nine the entire second half. On the way to victory, the road warriors overcame a pesky press and strong rebounding by DCB to control the entire way.
Freshman phenom Cedric Boone, who was held below his season average, was a huge key to victory, Marshall said.
"Their focus was really on Cedric tonight. They hounded him up-and-down the floor. He did a great job affecting the game in other ways by finishing with eight rebounds, four assists and two steals," the coach added. "His unselfishness led to a lot of big plays for other guys."
Rennie added 21 points to go along with Fassos's 26. Boone and Jayson Edwards both hit double figures with 13 and 10 points, respectively. James Streeter finished with seven points while Harvey Barr added five. Sam Riley scored three points while Derrick Laudenbach rounded out the scoring with two points. The Royals head into the postseason on a high note. It's been a fun season and a good group to coach, Marshall commented.
"We haven't always been perfect this year, but our resiliency and the way we play for each other is why I love this team. We have been able to find success because of our trust in one another and ability to make plays for each other," he said.