Lakeland women have banner game

The Lakeland women’s basketball team clinched its first OCCAC championship since 1996. Plus, the men’s squad earned at least a share of the league crown. David S. Glasier has the story.

The Lakeland Community College men’s team held up its end of the bargain on an auspicious day at the Athletic and Fitness Center.

On the heels of the LCC women beating Sinclair Community College on Feb. 22 to secure that program’s first Ohio Community College Athletic Conference regular-season title since 1996, sophomore forward Allen Sims and the Lakers drubbed the Tartans, 93-71, to clinch no worse than a tie for the OCCAC regular-season title on the men’s side.

Sims (Mentor) finished with a team-high 16 points as the Lakers upped their records to 19-7 overall and 9-2 in the OCCAC with one regular-season game remaining Feb. 29 at Edison Community College. Tipoff is 3 p.m.

LCC is one game clear of Cuyahoga Community College (19-8, 8-3) with both teams having one game left on the schedule. The Lakers are defending regular-season champs in the OCCAC. Sophomore forward Jonny Bowers had 14 for the Lakers. Freshman guard Jordan McMillan had 12. Sophomore forward Tyreke Johnson added 11.

“We put in the work this year and got results. I love this group,” LCC coach Terry Bowe said.

The Lakers were sharp from the start. They built a 52-40 lead at halftime and stayed comfortably ahead throughout the second half.

Ryan Stowers had a game-high 18 points to pace Sinclair (14-14, 4-8 OCCAC). Columbus State Community College (18-7, 10-2 OCCAC) is in first place but competes as a Division III program. Lakeland and the other OCCAC members are Division II programs.