In a matchup of top five 2A schools, #2 Lapel used a 20-0 run in the second quarter to blow open a competitive game on their way to a resounding victory over #4 Shenandoah Friday night.
The game started off well for the host Bulldogs, as they jumped out to a quick 9-2 lead, forcing a Shenandoah timeout. The Raiders attempted to key in on Lapel's two leading scorers, Kamron Herrington and JonRoss Richardson, by playing a triangle and two defense. It wasn't as successful as Shenandoah coach Dave McCollough would have wanted, as Herrington hit a deep triple and Lapel was able to beat the Raiders down the floor in transition for easy looks.
After the timeout, the visitors went to a more traditional 2-3 zone to try and negate Lapel's size and length advantage. They were able to force a couple stops and get back into the game thanks to a pair of Mason Griggs drives to the hoop.
The second quarter started off well for the Raiders, as they scored on their opening possession. From there, it would fall apart quickly. Shenandoah would commit several unforced turnovers, and when they did get a shot off, Lapel's length was key in forcing tough, contested shots and snatching the rebounds without giving up any second chance opportunities. Sophomores Austin Lyons and Preston Scott were key for the hosts in this run, as was senior point guard Kamron Herrington, who pushed the pace in transition and found his teammates for easy buckets.
Shenandoah would call two timeouts to try and quell the tide, but the run would take up almost the entire second quarter, until a Cody a Ruby putback with just under a minute remaining until half halted the 20 point surge from Lapel.
As the third quarter began, Shenandoah would be able to score, but could not put together defensive stops, as the two teams traded baskets. One play summed up the night for Shenandoah. Leading scorer Gavin Griggs, who came into the game averaging just over 20 points per contest, jumped a passing lane and collected a steal. The 6'3 junior was all alone and went up for a two-handed slam. Unfortunately for Griggs and Shenandoah, he missed the dunk, and was called for a technical when he hung on the rim trying to corral the ball.
Lapel would keep the pressure on in the fourth. The frontcourt trio of JonRoss Richardson, Preston Scott, and Triston Carpenter would take turns playing high-low basketball, making crisp passes inside the Shenandoah defense for easy layups. The margin would eventually reach 30 points as each team emptied their benches with a couple minutes remaining.
Shenandoah 8 4 15 19 - 46
Lapel 15 20 17 19 - 71
Shenandoah: Gavin Griggs 10 points (5/13 FGs), 5 rbs; Mason Griggs 8 points (4/4 FGs), 2 asts; Cody Rudy 8 points; Wayde Stiers 6 points; Jordan Starks 5 points; Chase Kinsey 4 points; Braydin Myers 3 points; Dylan Cronk 2 points
Lapel: JonRoss Richardson 21 points (8/8 FGs, 4/5 FTs), 3 rbs, 2 blks, 2stls; Preston Scott (5/7 FGs, 4/5 FTs), 3 stls; Austin Lyons 13 points; Kamron Herrington 11 points (2/8 FGs, 1/6 3Ps, 6/6 FTs), 6 asts; Triston Carpenter 10 points (4/7 FGs), 4 rbs, 3 asts; Andrew Hunt 2 points