Short-handed hoopsters earn victory

By Michael Leek
Sports Editor

With only five players, the LCC men’s basketball came out on top 98-93 over the Grand Rapids Community College Raiders on Wednesday, Jan. 10 at LCC.

This was the Stars’ first game in 2024, and it moved their record to 9-5 on the season.

Sophomore guard Jay Wallace had an explosive double-double for LCC, scoring 32 points, grabbing 11 rebounds and knocking down 14-of-16 free throws.

Freshman forward Jamison Eklund also finished with a double-double for LCC, scoring 21 points and grabbing 12 rebounds.

Freshman guards Devan Wilson and Terrell White also played well for the Stars. Wilson scored 22 points while shooting 56 percent from the field. White finished with 17 points, including two three-pointers to spark two separate runs.

LCC Head Coach Mike Ingram said he only played five men because a few of them had some work to finish in the classroom to become eligible to play.

“I was very impressed with how they played, and I’m a firm believer (that) the guys that really work well in class will work well together on the court,” Ingram said.

LCC freshman Jamison Eklund (11) goes up to score during a home game on LCC’s main campus against Grand Rapids Community College Jan. 10.  Photo by Kaitlyn Delaney

Fatigue was an issue for the Stars because they had no reserves to put in the game. Sophomore guard Blake Samuels said since the break, the team has been working on getting its conditioning back.

“Fatigue definitely was a factor, but ever since we got back we’ve been running a lot,” Samuels said. “Right when we get in the gym we start off practice running a whole mile and then get into practice.”

Ingram said the staff made adjustments to help the players out with fatigue. During timeouts, the coaches reminded the players not to get sloppy because of fatigue.

“We called timeouts and said, ‘Hey listen, were getting tired, and when we get tired we quit playing the right defense and take tougher shots.’ And each guy said ‘you’re right coach,’ and I think that helped us get back on track,” Ingram said.

It was Samuels’ first game starting in college, and Coach Ingram said he played well.

“Blake played great for us; his teammates were really appreciative of him,” Ingram said. “He stayed within himself and made a couple of great defensive plays and the layup that put us ahead.”

The Stars will play their first conference game of the season this Saturday, Jan. 13 against Glen Oaks Community College. Action starts at 3 p.m. in the Gannon Gym at LCC.

Going into conference play, Ingram said the Stars will continue to work on their zone, knowing they may only still have five players for Saturday.

“My core starters are still there so we got to keep working on defense and playing hard,” Ingram said.