Getting lucky number seven has been a pretty unlucky task for the Lake Orion boys varsity basketball squad.
For the second time this season, the Dragons failed to turn a six-game winning streak into a seven-gamer.
This time it was visiting Waterford Kettering that did the damage, using a strong fourth quarter to knock off the first place Dragons, 46-39, on Feb. 14.
It was easily the Dragons? lowest scoring output of the season.
LO converted on only 14 of their 27 free throws, or just under 52 percent.
Still, the Dragons held a four-point advantage heading into the fourth quarter, at 34-30.
However, the last stanza belonged entirely to Kettering. They hit a number of clutch shots and outscored LO 16-5 to race out of the gym with the upset.
Drew Maynard led the Dragons with 12 points in the loss.
Coach Jim Manzo’s team did not have much time to reflect on the Kettering game, as Stoney Creek came calling on Feb. 17.
The Dragons, looking to avenge a last second loss at Stoney Creek and start a new winning streak, entered the game tied atop the OAA III standings.
If that wasn’t motivation enough for Maynard, the team’s leading scorer, then perhaps starting the game on the bench was.
Maynard made his first appearance with his team down one point, three minutes into the first quarter.
Knowing his team needed a boost, Maynard responded, scoring ten points in the first quarter and ten more in the second, to open up a big 30-15 halftime lead.
An 8-0 run in the second quarter put the Dragons up double digits for the first time, and included a Maynard breakaway dunk after an errant Stoney Creek pass was kept in play by hitting an official.
The two squads traded baskets in the third until an 8-2 LO run put the Dragons up 22. LO got to the foul line early and often in the second half, to wear down Stoney Creek and claim a 63-42 win.
Jon Krause dominated most of the second half action for the Dragons, scoring 15 of his career-high 19 points after the break. He also chipped in 12 rebounds.
‘We just wanted to keep playing at the same tempo,? Krause said of his second half outburst. ‘We shot free throws the entire half and they really lost their team aspect at the end.?
Manzo agreed with his player’s assessment.
‘Late in the game they were tired,? he said. ‘All of their shots came up short.?
The coach credited his two big scorers for helping to wear down the opposition.
‘I thought Krause was pretty strong inside,? he said. ?(Maynard) responded big time. He was very active on both ends of the floor.?
Ross Tonyan added seven assists for the Dragons, who held all of Stoney Creek’s leading scorers in single digits.
‘They were highly motivated,? said Stoney Creek coach Ken Belote. ‘They played well defensively, they were well prepared and we had a hard time responding.?
The victory also ended a six-game homestand for the Dragons, who will play their last three league games on the road.
LO is 7-2 in league play, and 13-3 overall.
‘We control our own fate,? Manzo said. ‘We have three league games left, and if we win them all we’re league champs.?
Oak Park, who the Dragons close the regular season with, is also 7-2 in league play.
After a month at home, Manzo said he’s ready to get back on the road. He even scheduled a practice at the old high school gym to help his players get used to a new environment.
No matter where they play, Krause said the team’s focus must be in the right place.
‘We need to take it one game at a time for sure,? he said. ‘We know we can’t slip up now.?