Couriers lose twice on the road

LAPORTE (Thurs., Feb. 22, 2007) – Despite a late rally, the Couriers fell 82-76 at LaLumiere.

Carl M. scored the game’s first three points before the host Lakers turned to their tall, athletic forwards DeAndre H. and Darrin S. The Couriers tied the score twice at 18-18 and 36-36 but could not overcome an array of dazzling dunks and three-pointers by the Laker stars. The hosts built the lead to as many as 13 (78-65) with three minutes left when DeAndre fouled out. Four Couriers contributed to an 11-4 run to end the game.

Todd M. finished just shy of his career high with 32 points. Carl M. added 16 and Mike T. 13 for the Couriers (12-6). Todd M. had 10 rebounds and five assists, Mike four assists and three steals and Joel K. five assists.

DeAndre H. just missed a triple-double with 37 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists for the Lakers. Darrin S. added 28 points, eight rebounds and five blocks. Swingman Torrance H. rounded out their scoring with 17 points and eight rebounds. The Lakers shot 55 percent from the field in their final game of the season.

SOUTH BEND (Fri., Feb. 23, 2007) – In a seesaw battle where both teams led by up to eight points, the Community Baptist Cougars clipped the Couriers 58-56 on their Senior Night.

Junior forward Seth Q. set the pace with 10 points for the Cougars who roared to an 18-10 first-quarter lead. The Couriers responded by outscoring the hosts 22-6 in the second quarter for 32-24 cushion. They expanded the lead to 35-26 before the Cougars went on a 20-6 tear to regain the lead at 46-41 at the third-quarter break. The Couriers seemed to be gaining control with a 56-55 lead with 2:08 remaining. They would not score again while the Cougars put up three points in the final 24 seconds for the win.

Todd M. and Caleb M. scored 18 points each for the Couriers (12-7). Todd pulled down 12 rebounds and Caleb seven. The Couriers made 14-of-15 free throws in the game.

Seth Q. led all scorers with 27 and added nine rebounds for the Cougars (12-4). The Cougars shot only 31.1% (20-74) from the field but committed just seven turnovers.

Despite three straight losses, the Couriers enter postseason play with the #1 ranking in the ICSTS. They will begin defense of the 2006 state title against Lakeland Christian (3-21) tonight. The regional game will be played at Trinity School in South Bend.