The Dragons got off to a good start in OAA II action last Friday night, racing out to a big early lead and holding off host Rochester 58-50.
Drew Maynard scored 28 points, along with 11 rebounds and four blocks, to lead Lake Orion.
‘We had a great first half,? Coach Jim Manzo said. ‘We were up 15 at the break and 16-4 after one (quarter).?
But the Falcons outscored LO by 10 in the third quarter to cut the deficit down to five.
Manzo credited freshman Anthony Fields for hitting a couple of big buckets down the stretch, and senior Joe Barnes for delivering the knockout punch.
Barnes hit a three pointer, his only basket of the night, after Rochester had cut the lead down to two points.
A few possessions later, the Dragon lead was back into double digits and the win was secure.
In addition to the win, Lake Orion also welcomed back senior center Cole Moore, who saw his first action of the season after sustaining a back injury during the football season.
‘It was good to see him back out there,? Manzo said. ‘He played about half of the game.?
The Dragons will need to be at full strength this week, as they host undefeated Birmingham Detroit Country Day (see article in this web edition) before traveling to Rochester Adams for a big league showdown on Friday.
‘This is arguably our biggest week of the year,? Manzo said.
Last week, Adams beat Romeo, a team that routed LO in early December.