In the very first round of districts, the LHS boys basketball team was scheduled to play none other than their classic rival, WHS. The Pats entered the game with high pressure due to the fact that the road to state depended on it. This may have played a factor in the hype atmosphere and motivated plays within the game.

With this in mind, LHS started the game off extremely strong. The LHS offensive style was effective against WHS because of their quickness. The team created a lead over WHS for the entirety of the first quarter until a three from Topher Zahn and two free throws tied it up 14-14 at the end of the quarter. Many of WHS scoring opportunities came from free throws based on our fouling.

The second quarter began with tension in the air until LHS regained their lead which we all knew was coming. Dillon Barrow continued to come in clutch with his 3-pointers and LHS soon found themselves with a seven point lead. There was an abundance of fouls going both ways this time which is groundbreaking for LHS on WHS turf. Thank you refs for some even calls. WHS continued to fight back and lessen the lead. The score became 30-30 with only 30 seconds left in the half. Both teams became frantic in order to either score again or end up with the ball before time ran out. As the second half approached, the score remained tied.

WHS scored the first points in the second half but LHS did not let it stick. Breakaways and free throws helped LHS to gain a small lead of their own; 45-41 at the end of the third quarter. However, four points was not enough to relieve the stress in the game because soon after, the scoring went back and forth between the rivals. The energy within the gym was at all time high while LHS fought to keep the lead they had earned for themselves with 1:30 left in the game. WHS also remained fired up and ready to win. Senior Jack Talley cut the lead to one point after a 3-pointer and the student section erupted. LHS answered by making two free throws to strengthen the chance to win. Another foul by WHS gave the opportunity to Diang Gatluak to solidify the win and bring the score to 62-57. Jack Talley hit a three with the seconds winding down that was practically pointless considering we had already proved that the WHS gymnasium was our house. At the end of the game, all students joined together despite the rivalry to say a prayer for the Cisse family that was affected by the crash last week.

The LHS Patriots will need to win one more game in order to solidify their place in the 2017 state tournament that will be held in Rapid City. Cheer on LHS Friday night in the district championship held at LHS.

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