Late free throws lift Cobras, 44-38

FOUNTAIN LAKE — In a physical game with 54 combined free-throw attempts, Fountain Lake’s composure at the line proved the difference down the stretch Tuesday night.

Facing Lakeside in the season opener for both teams, the Cobras converted on seven of their final eight attempts to preserve a 44-38 win at Bass Gymnasium.

“It was kind of a rebound from our benefit game (a 74-45 loss to Greenbrier); I thought we improved very much from that game,” Fountain Lake coach Jake Dettmering said. “I thought our intensity was better. If we’re going to be successful this season, it’s got to be defense first and setting the tone with our energy.”

Trailing 27-25 after three quarters, Lakeside went up 34-33 but was unable to sustain the momentum. After two foul shots by Sawyer Lamb pulled the Rams within 37-36 at 1:13, Lakeside missed its final four free-attempts.

“I think we extended so much of our energy to get back in it and ran out of gas,” Lakeside coach Eddie Lamb said. “Fountain Lake did a good job and did what they had to do to win the game down the stretch. The main thing we have to do at Lakeside is form a winning attitude. Being in a close game isn’t good enough for coach Lamb or Lakeside.”

Following two quick baskets by Lakeside, the Cobras closed the first quarter on a 7-0 run for a 7-5 advantage.

Behind four points from Joe Murphy, Fountain Lake led by as much as eight in the second period before settling with an 18-11 halftime lead.

“We’ve got some kids that can move and we can press, but we have to do it without fouling; we were able to do that in the first half,” said Dettmering. “I think the energy, with them just getting their football guys back, it took them a little bit to adjust to it. We were fortunate to start the game like that and go into the half with a lead.”

Held to one point in the first half, Sawyer Lamb found his groove in the third quarter. The junior scored nine of his team’s 14 points as the Rams pulled within 27-25.

“Sawyer didn’t play good in the first half; you could tell he was pressing,” the elder Lamb said. “He played good in the second half and I’m proud for him, but ultimately it’s all about the win. I promise Sawyer would be happier tonight if he had 10 points and we won the game.”

A fast start by Murphy and Cade Dodge extended Fountain Lake’s lead to 31-27, but the Rams wouldn’t go down easy.

A three-pointer by Sawyer Lamb followed by a foul shot from Phillip Gayle gave Lakeside a 34-33 lead with less than two minutes to play.

With the game on the line, the Cobras turned to a pair of junior guards to secure the win. Murphy and Jordan Mungle combined to hit six straight free throws before a steal by Parion Johnson ended any chance of a Lakeside comeback.

“We returned four starters and that past experience gives them a lot of confidence when you get in situations like that,” said Dettmering. “We’ve got the right people to align late in the game with Murphy and Mungle. Those guys are usually are steady guys from the foul line.”

Lamb led all scorers with 20 points. Murphy paced the Cobras with 12 points while Mungle finished with nine and Johnson had eight.

Fountain Lake (1-0) hosts Mena Tuesday night while Lakeside (0-1) travels to White Hall on Friday. The Rams host Sheridan Saturday and White Hall Monday in the Lakeside Classic.

“We need to get back on the practice floor and right back into a game,” Eddie Lamb said. “Our speech at the end of the game was all about getting our head right. No pouting or pointing fingers; we’re all in this together. If that’s the attitude we’re going to have, we’ll be just fine.”