CLAYTON — Indian Lake’s tournament run came to an end here Saturday evening, but the Lakers didn’t go without a fight.
Facing a Taft team boasting a lot of height, speed and athleticism, the Lakers went step-to-step with the Senators for most of the game.
However, a third-quarter Indian Lake lull allowed Taft to build a cushion that it maintained for a 62-55 victory in a Division III boys basketball district championship at Northmont High School.
“Not just today, but I think this whole tournament run showed that Indian Lake basketball has taken a big step forward,” said Indian Lake head coach Zach Overturf.
“Moving forward, we feel like we can compete with anybody.”
Indian Lake, which was only the 12th seed in its sectional, refused to back down against a Taft squad that finished eighth in the final Division III state poll.
The Lakers jumped out to a 5-0 lead before Taft used a late first-quarter spurt to lead 11-10 at the end of the period.
Taft increased its lead to five points (18-13) at the 4:56 mark of the second period, but Indian Lake countered with a 12-6 run to go up 25-24 at halftime.
“It was huge to have a start like that,” said Overturf. “We told the guys to come out and take the fight to them, and that’s what we were able to do.”
The Lakers were able to continue their momentum into the second half, opening up a four-point advantage (30-26) two minutes into the third quarter.
The tide then began to turn, though.
Taft reeled off an 18-2 run to end the third quarter as the Lakers went cold. That put the Senators ahead by 12 (44-32) entering the final period.
“I think a little bit of fatigue set in,” said Overturf. “We weren’t sprinting through our cuts and we became easy to guard during that stretch.”
Indian Lake fought and clawed until the end.
Taft increased its lead to 14 points on a bucket by sophomore standout Rayvon Griffith to start the fourth quarter.
Indian Lake hung around, taking advantage of some poor free-throw shooting by the Senators to stay around the 10-point mark for much of the last period.
The Lakers got to within eight points (58-50) after a three-pointer by senior guard Zander Barnes with 55 seconds left.
Taft pushed its lead back into double digits before a 4-0 spurt by Barnes to end the game provided for the seven-point difference.
Barnes and junior guard Luke Jackson, who knocked down five three-pointers, each had 17 points to lead the Lakers. Caleb Wurster scored nine points and Chase Coburn chipped in five.
Brandon Comer led Taft with a game-high 22 points and Yacco Nelson and Griffith each added 12 points.
After graduating six seniors from last year’s team, it looked this would be a rebuilding season for the Lakers.
But they came together to go 14-12 and win the program’s first sectional title.
“We kind of looked at it like it would be a 6 to 10 win season,” said Overturf. “But these guys bought in, and our older guys did a great job of leadership and the young guys adjusted well.”
Overturf has to say good bye to a senior class that includes Barnes, Coburn, Kyle Faulder, Reid Notestine and Dylan Rice.
“There will always be a big place in my heart for those guys,” said Overturf. “I don’t know Indian Lake without those guys. They were in seventh grade when I got here. It’s tough to see them go. We are going to miss them.”
Taft moves on to face Anna in the regional semifinal round Wednesday at Vandalia Butler.
TAFT 62, Indian Lake 55
Indian Lake (14-12)
Nicol 1 2-2 4; Barnes 5 7-8 17; Coburn 1 2-4 5; Wurster 4 1-2 9; Tuttle 1 1-2 3; Jackson 6 0-0 17. Totals: 18 13-18 55.
TAFT (14-4)
Nelson 5 2-3 12; Cromer 9 2-4 22; Griffith 4 4-9 12; Britten 1 0-1 2; Howard 1 0-0 2; Jackson 1 1-2 3; Miles 3 1-2 9. Totals: 24 10-21 62.
Lakers 10 15 7 23 — 55
Senators 11 13 20 18 — 62
Three pointers: Indian Lake 6 (Jackson 5, Coburn); Taft 4 (Comer 2, Miles 2). Team fouls: Indian Lake 17; Taft 16.