Thursday, December 13

The Stratford Lions gave the Canaan Eagles a scare Thursday night. In a game in which the Eagles were clearly favored, the Lions gave them all they could handle on their home floor. However, a lack of depth proved to be the Achilles' heal for Stratford, as they were unable to keep pace in the second half. The Eagles pulled away late to ensure a 68-50 win.

The first quarter was dominated by Canaan and their fullcourt press. The Lions had trouble getting the ball up the floor and hitting shots when they did. Connor Daley and Jason Charest caused several turnovers that were converted into easy baskets and a 15-1 lead. It appeared that the Eagles were going to win this one running away, but the Lions would not lay down.

The Eagles found themselves in trouble in the second quarter. Jake Smith was forced to sit early in the quarter after picking up his third foul, and Connor Daley left the game with an ankle injury. Coach Nelson Mayhew was forced to put his unproven bench into early action. The Lions struggled still to hit shots from the field, but made a living at the free throw line, netting 19 of their 25 first half points at the line. The double-digit lead held by the Eagles in the first quarter quickly evaporated to a single point at halftime.

The Eagles came out of the break with much more intensity. Connor Daley returned in the second half to guide the Canaan offense and stop the bleeding. Jeremy Schichtle came up big inside, snaring rebounds under both baskets and scoring a career high 14 points. More importantly, the Eagles were getting the Lions in foul trouble. With only 8 active players, the Stratford players were beginning to run out of steam in the later stages of the game and committing more fouls. Schichtle and Zack Daley were able to get to the line and reopen a double-digit lead for the Eagles.

The Lions attempted to hang tight in the fourth quarter, but the Eagles were too much. With five minutes remaining, Stratford center Mike McGee picked up his crucial fifth foul, leaving the Lions undersized inside. Zack Daley promptly took the ball to the basket, shouldering the Canaan offense in the final frame. With only a minute remaining, Canaan saw another player hit the floor. Schichtle went down clutching his ankle, but was able to walk off the floor under his own power.

The Eagles were able to stall out the remainder of the clock and preserve the victory, bringing their record to 2-1 on the season.