It was over six years in the making, and it all came to reality this weekend for Manitowoc Lutheran High School, a beautiful brand-new gymnasium in which to play and practice sports.
If the first two events held there are a prelude to the future, what ride will Lancer Nation be in for!
In the debut Friday Night, the Lancers Boys basketball team defeated Shiocton 85 to 83 in a game in which they led 49 to 33 at the half.
The Chiefs battled back to take the lead, but The Lancers showed resolve, retook the lead late in the second half, and held on to win by two.
Senior Derek Laabs paced four Lutheran players in double figures, scoring a game-high 34 points. Wesley Hecker had 16, Will Franzen had 11, and Jaymen Ott chipped in 10.
Shiocton was led by Brett Singler and Kyle Bergsbaken, with 24 and 20 points, respectively. The result leaves both teams at 5 and 4 on the year as The Lancers return to action Monday night in Reedsville against The Panthers.
Meanwhile, a showdown between two of the best teams in girls high school girls basketball in northeast Wisconsin did not disappoint as Manitowoc Lutheran, the third-ranked team in the Division Four wissports.net coaches poll, defeated Sheboygan Falls, ranked eighth in Division Three 74 to 70 in overtime.
The Lancers led 36 to 22 at halftime, only to see The Falcons rally to take the lead late in the second half. The game ended up going into overtime, and junior guard Makiah Krause sealed the victory with two free throws and 2.3 seconds left.
Krause was one of four Lancers in double figures, scoring 21 points. “G” Ermis led The Lancers and all scorers with 16 of her 22 points in the first half.
Addison Korte and Marissa Melhorn each chipped in 10.
The Falcons were led by senior Addison Schliewe, who scored 21 points and added 12 rebounds. Lilly Gahagen added 16, while Mackenzie Schroeder and Mollie Schliewe each chipped in 11.
The Lancers return to action Tuesday night when they travel to Reedsville to meet The Panthers. Game time is 7:15 p.m.
