Londonderry 37 Central 36

If Central is playing a game then it must be close, correct? Absolutely.

Wickey was sick and didn't play. Bintz did not play for Londonderry. The 2 centers were out for their respective squads. Tonight there was a big disparity in thickness between the 2 teams. Londonderry looks an add for MetRx protein powder while Central looked like they have been eating at the salad bar. It seemed like every Londonderry player outweighed each Central player by 40 to 60 pounds. The thickness disparity between the teams, including reserves was very high. Londonderry used this to their advantage as they took a 12 - 2 lead at the end of the first period. Flanders and Sanborn lead the way scoring 11 of the 12 Lancer points. Central looked like they were having a case of Wickey-itis on offense. They were all questioning who was going to produce on the offense end.

So, how does a salad bar team make a comeback against a MetRx protein team? With the 3 ball of course. Freshman Christian Ortega and sophomore Wol Majong came off the Central bench to each hit a 3 which got Central back in the game. Ortega gave Central some much needed muscle on the glass. Flanders hit another 3. Central stayed tight as Londonderry took a 17 to 16 lead at halftime. Both teams seemed tired in the 3rd period. Central was now into their 3rd game in 5 days. Londonderry went cold. The teams combined for 11 points as charges became the norm with offensive dribble drives seeming to be a step slow.

The two teams had a better offensive flow in the 4th. Colby heated up from the outside and was matched by Lacount who had his medium range jumper going along with a couple of nice angular dribble drive finishes. Flanders hit a big 3 to give the Lancers a 6 point cushion which seemed like a 16 point lead in this plodding game. Yee had a put back with about 2 minutes to go to draw Central within 4. Londonderry tried to put the game away with a stall offense, but turned the ball over. Central couldn't capitalize and there was a series of turnovers and missed oppurtunities for both teams. Central had the ball with about 30 seconds left and took too much time working the ball for a shot. Doc called TO and Central came out and again burned time while trying to get off a shot. They settled for a Ferge drive that missed. Londonderry missed a FT and Ferge hit a 3 at the buzzer to make it a 37 - 36 victory for Londonderry.

This was not a pretty game from the outset. Ferge was cold the whole night. LaCount had a good game with an inside/outside performance. Ortega gave valuable minutes and some size off the bench for the Little Green. Flanders gets the game ball with 12 points, many rebounds and excellent defense. He is one of the most underrated players in L. You look at his F-350 dual wheeled chrome stacked 4 wheel drive body and you wonder how the kid can score, but he has quick feet and a nice release. He has good court sense and when he boxes out, I'm telling you, HE BOXES OUT. Central is now 9 - 8 and tied for 10th with Alvrine. Londonderry is now 8 - 9 and tied for 12th with North. The team that draws Londonderry in the 7 v 10, 6 v 11, 5 v 12 or 4 v 13 game might get the W in the prelim matchup with the Lancers, but they better have a large jar of Advil ready along with a long stay in a Jaccuzi. The Lancers will muscle you and beat you up. Protein powder as opposed to a salad bar will make a team more physical.

Central - 2 14 5 15 - 36
Lond - 12 5 6 14 - 37

Central: LaCount 14 Ortega 9 Majong 7 Ferge 3 Yee 3 Central 5 - 6 from the line.

Londonderry: Flanders 12 Colby 12 Sanborn 8 McMullen 2 Doucette 2 Mansfield 1 Lond 3 - 8 from the line.

Central still has a tough game left at Salem on Friday. what a tustle for seeding that will be. Hopefully Wickey will feel better for that big game.

Central is certainly a much different team without Wickey, but it seemed they held their own with out him against Londonderry tonight.