The Lakewood Lancers got off to a slow—very slow—start against the West Valley Mustangs Friday afternoon in the Ocean View Tournament of Champions, and they finished pretty much the same, falling 67-58 in the consolation bracket.

The Lancers got off to their worst start of the year, finishing the first quarter down 20-4.  Lakewood coach Matt Ruiz had a very simple explanation for his team’s poor first-quarter performance: “Physically, they were much better than we are.”  Though they were outsized, and lacked a perimeter threat all game (with season-leader in scoring Jared Garber held to just two points), Lakewood battled back with good transition play and a few hot hands, and managed to tie the score at 44 to end the third quarter, following a 12-0 run to close the period.

But in the fourth it was all Mustangs again, as West Valley opened with a 10-2 run and never looked back.  Leaders for the Lancers were Jonathan Snagg, who dropped in 20, and who showed at times the potential to develop into a consistent leader (though he only scored three in the final quarter).  Victor Oragwu scored 15 for Lakewood—the leaders for West Valley were Eric Lawton, who led all scorers with 26 points, and Joe Burton, who added 14.  Lawton, a versatile, athletic guard exposed Lakewood’s lack of overall comparative athleticism, while Burton, a 6’8″ 290-pound center (who was 2-2 from 3-point range) exposed their biggest weakness: the lack of a legitimate big in the post.  All game the Lancers found it difficult to stop the Mustangs in the key without fouling.

Another factor in the game was experience—Lakewood only has three players on its 13-man roster who played varsity last year.  “We’re very, very young,” said Ruiz.  “But that’s why you play in tournaments like this—to get the young guys more experience.”

Snagg on the perimeter, guarded by Burton.