Last January, Rockhurst handed SM East something close to a drubbing in its State Line gym as the bitter rivals faced off in their annual regular season meeting.
On Friday, SM East did its best to return the favor.
The Lancers team that had struggled its way to a 2-8 record heading into the game played with a loose intensity that put the Hawklets on their heels from the opening tip, cruising its way to a 60-49 victory in the SM East gym.
Led by strong opening-minutes performances from Alex Glazer and Davis Morrison, the Lancers’ offense worked efficiently to put 25 first half points on the board. More importantly, however, SM East’s defense clamped down on Rockhurst’s attack, holding the Hawklets to 15 total first half points.
“Our kids kept attacking the basket,” said SM East head coach Shawn Hair after the victory over his alma mater. “We played great team defense. Just really, really proud of our kids and our effort.”
Morrison led the Lancers with 17 points on the night. Glazer finished with 15. Jay Guastello and Henry Sullivan also made significant contributions on the offensive front with nine and eight points, respectively.
Rockhurst’s offense, which saw 11 players score on the night, was led by Xavier Rhodes with 12 points. He was the only Hawklet to score in double figures.
Hair was sporting a freshly shaved head, as promised if the community met a $10,000 fundraising goal for the Pinky Swear Foundation. It offered little cool relief, however, from the sweltering effects of having a packed gym on hand for the win.
“I’m freaking soaked,” he said after the game looking down at a sweat-saturated shirt.