In the game that got Lake-Lehman into the state playoffs and their first-round victory, there was no magic like before.
From the start on Tuesday night, Loyalsock made it clear that they wouldn't allow any magic.
Loyalsock took a double-digit lead less than three minutes into the game and held onto it, winning 59-32 over Lehman in a PIAA Class 3A girls basketball second-round game at the Berwick Middle School.
Loyalsock, the second seed from District 2, will play District 2 champion Holy Redeemer in the quarterfinals on Friday.
Lehman, the third seed from District 2, finished their season at 18-11.
Lehman coach Charlie Lavan praised Loyalsock's skills, acknowledging their speed, height, outside shooting, inside game, and defense.
Even though Lehman didn't play well, Lavan commended Loyalsock's abilities.
In previous games, Lehman won against Western Wayne and Notre Dame Green Pond, but everything changed on Tuesday when Loyalsock dominated.
Loyalsock started strong, scoring the first seven points and taking a 14-3 lead. Alaina Dadzie scored 24 points, with 13 in the first quarter, displaying dominance in the paint.
Lavan was impressed by Dadzie's performance, noting her effectiveness even when she misses a shot.
Lehman managed to reduce the deficit to 22-9 at the end of the first quarter, but Loyalsock went on a 12-0 run in the second quarter, extending their lead to 34-13 at halftime.
During a scoreless period in the second quarter, Loyalsock regrouped and went on a 12-0 run, while Lehman struggled to score until late in the quarter, resulting in a 34-13 halftime lead for Loyalsock.
Turnovers and rebounding were problematic for Lehman in the first half, as Loyalsock's defense forced 11 turnovers and limited their shooting opportunities.
Loyalsock's coach Curtis Jacobson emphasized that they practice pressing every day, which contributed to their strong performance.
The defensive pressure led to a 30-point mercy rule in the third quarter, with Loyalsock taking a commanding 55-25 lead.
Ella Wilson was Lehman's top scorer with 11 points, followed by Brenna Hunt with seven.
The game was part of the PIAA Class 3A Second Round, with Loyalsock winning 59-32 against Lake-Lehman.
LAKE-LEHMAN (32) — Biscotto 1 0-0 3, Hunt 3 1-2 7, Wilson 4 2-3 11, Jenkins 2 0-0 4, Oliver 1 0-0 2, Morgan 1 0-0 2, Corcoran 0 0-0 0, Chipego 0 0-0 0, Decesaris 0 3-4 3, Breslford 0 0-0 0, James 0 0-0 0, Hynick 0 0-0 0, Wallace 0 0-0 0.
Totals 12 3-9 32. LOYALSOCK (59) — Ellis 0 0-0 0, Kriebel 7 1-1 17, Kennedy 1 0-0 2, I.Dadzie 1 4-6 6, A.Dadzie 11 2-3 24, A.Luxenberger 1 0-0 2, Harden 3 0-0 6, Melito 0 0-0 0, M.Luxenberger 0 0-0 0, Wertz 1 0-0 2, Sewell 0 0-0 0, Zajack 0 0-0 0, Bastian 0 0-0 0, Barowy 0 0-0 0.
Totals 25 7-10 59. Lake-Lehman`9`4`15`4 — 32 Loyalsock`22`12`23`2 — 59
Three-point goals —
LL 3 (Biscotto, Wilson). LOY 2 (Kriebel).
SALEM TWP. — There was no magic like in the game that put Lake-Lehman into the state playoffs. Or like in the Black Knights' first-round victory a few days earlier. LL 3 (Biscotto, Wilson). LOY 2 (Kriebel).
