Boys Basketball: Bishop Noll edges Lake Station in battle of unbeatens

Updated: May 9, 2012 10:07AM

HAMMOND — Take two teams that are undefeated, add the fact that they are in the same conference and both have been dominating opposing teams offensively and defensively, and you have the makings of a classic game. That is exactly what fans were treated to as Bishop Noll and Lake Station faced off with the Warriors holding off the Eagles in an 84-83 overtime thriller.

“I am very happy for the team and the win,” Noll coach Drew Trost said. “We got behind against a very tough team in Lake Station in the first half, but stayed focused and worked hard to get back in the game and hold off a tough competitor to secure the win.”

The victory keeps Noll (5-0, 3-0 Greater South Shore) undefeated but it did not come easy as the Warriors were challenged throughout the game by a tough Lake Station team.

As expected, the game was a battle from the start.

Lake Station rode the guard tandem of Ricky Garcia and Nate Flores to grab the lead and hold onto it throughout the first half, going into the locker room with a 38-33 advantage.

Garcia and Flores were 6 of 8 from 3-point range in the first half to pace their team to the halftime lead. Flores and Garcia finished the night with 19 and 17 points, respectively.

Lake Station (2-1, 2-1 GSSC) earned its coach’s praise after the game.

“Take nothing away from a very good Noll team, but tonight we played the No. 2 ranked team in the state and no one except your paper has us mentioned or ranked,” Lake Station coach Bryon Clouse said. “But tonight I believe we showed folks that Lake Station has a very good team and will compete throughout the season,”

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