Lakers win PAL championship

WEST MILFORD-On Friday, June 17, the Lakers held off a fierce second half rally by the Sonics to capture the PAL Basketball Spring Major Division championship 32-31 at the PAL Building in West Milford. The Lakers finished the season with a 13-1 overall record. Ian Rhode led the Lakers with 10 points, while Nick Conlon (8) and Jordan Wright (6) also lit up the scoreboard. On defense, Mark McLaughlin (7), Conlon (6) and Wright (5) controlled the boards for the champions. Steve Cowdin pilfered three Sonics' passes and guided the Lakers offense. Catherine Harrison, Kaylie Feuerstack, Kendall Feuerstack, Chris Harrsch and Christian Mangiapane also contributed with key defensive stops throughout the evening. As was their trademark all season, the Lakers' focus on teamwork helped hold off the pesky Sonics. Kevin Westrich (10), Kyle Manzoni (9) and Jessica Rovneyko (4) paced the Sonics' attack.