Another good Lakeview start keys romp

The strong-starting Bulldogs streaked to a 25-4 lead en route to a 62-30 win over Badger.
By DOUG CHAPIN
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
CORTLAND -- The Lakeview High basketball team continued to flex its muscle early in this high school season, routing Badger High, 62-30, Friday in a Trumbull Athletic Conference opener.
The Bulldogs have an average victory margin of almost 24 points in wins over Maplewood, Howland and Badger, and the key, according to coach Larry Herrholtz, is a good start in each game.
"I think we've been very focused at the start of the games," Herrholtz said. "The players have responded to the coaches urging focus and fundamental play at the start."
Friday was no exception as the Bulldogs turned a 7-4 lead with three minutes left in the first quarter into a 25-4 advantage with about five minutes to go in the second period.
Ellens sparkles
Senior guard Jeff Ellens came off the bench and scored all 10 of his points in that span. He also grabbed 10 rebounds for the game and sparked the Bulldogs‚ running game and defense.
"We concentrate on defense in practice and spend a lot of time on it," Herrholtz said.
The practice paid off Friday as Lakeview held Badger to no field goals in the first half and a 9-for-40 shooting performance for the game.
In addition to Ellens, Chuck Williams with 12 points and Brandon Bakker with 10 scored in double figures for the Bulldogs.
Williams added eight rebounds and Jim McHale seven as Lakeview had a 38-16 advantage on the boards.
Experienced
Herrholtz has six lettermen back from an 11-11 team last year.
"With our experience, its been a lot easier in transition, we're getting into spots from which we can score," Herrholtz said. "No one is trying to do too much by himself and we're starting to fill roles."
Badger coach Ryan Fitch has three lettermen back, but those three were role players on the Braves' 20-4 team which tied for first in the league and won a district title.
"We're just inexperienced. Our three returning guys were out there with a bunch of seniors and now we're asking them to be leaders," Fitch said. "We're taking it game-to-game and gaining experience."
Fitch said he was pleased with the effort of some of his younger players in the second half.
Lakeview is considered one of the favorites in a TAC race which many expect to be as close as last year.
Before the Bulldogs really get into the race, they face a key non-conference test Tuesday at Canfield.
"We know we've got a long way to go and we have a lot of work ahead of us," Herrholtz said.