The Lakewood Leopards traveled to face the Spartans Friday night. After a intense and close start the Leopards slowly pulled ahead and took the win 63-45.

The first quarter was mostly tied throughout with the lead changing with every basket made. The Spartan pulled ahead in the last few seconds by 2 points, 11-13.

The Leopards came back the second quarter and took the lead away from the Spartans. With the help of Johnnie Owens and the 3 back-to-back baskets from behind the arc they gained a 10 points lead on the Spartans, 30-20.

Lakewood continued this pace after the half to maintain an 11 points lead on the Spartans. Union made many efforts to narrow the gap but couldn’t and was left behind 45-34.

By the fourth quarter, the Leopards had began to dominate the court and managed to end the game with an 18 point win over the Spartans.

Spartan head coach Keagan Warren was pleased with the performance and says he now sees the improvements to be made. “I’d like to congratulate Coach Pittman and the Leopards on the win. After the first quarter we kind of let the Leopards shoot past us and after the half Lakewood started lighting it up.

“I thought we started out very well and had to make some adjustments with shooters defensively; we just came up short,” he said. He continued to reflect upon the mistakes that were made. “We couldn’t make some easy buckets underneath and free throws really killed us. We just have to bounce back and keep rolling and it’s the little things that hurt us,” he concluded.

The Lakewood Leopard coach, Sylvester Pittman was pleased with the win. “Warren’s team played really well we just got some really good breaks and good shots that found the basket. I’m very happy with the win and now we have to get ready for the conference games,” he said.

Stats were unavailable for the Lakewood Leopards.

Donta Chavious led the Spartans with 13 points. Chavious was followed up by Shaquor Newkirk who had 10 points and Jawawn Newkirk who had 9.

Both teams will be back at home to begin their conference seasons on Tuesday. Lakewood will host Spring Creek while the Spartans will welcome the West Bladen Knights.

By Anna Moore

Sports Writer

Union’s Donta Chavious leaps for a shot
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_DSC_0353.jpgUnion’s Donta Chavious leaps for a shot