HS Basketball: Lakes' Guards Lead Lancers to PSL Semis

2/4/2025

(Lakewood, WA)

For Lakes under first year head coach Matt Robles, team chemistry is a way of life. That bond was put to the test Tuesday night against Gig Harbor. In the end, stout defense steals and transition defense proved enough for Lakes to defeat Gig Harbor 66-61. The win clinches a spot in the 3A District Tournament for Lakes. Gig Harbor can clinch a spot in the tournament with a win on Thursday against North Thurston.

The contest was dubbed a rematch of an earlier encounter during the regular season won by Lakes on the road 56-54. If they were to beat Gig Harbor again, they would have to find a way to stop winger Michael Masini, a junior who has the ability to score from all three levels of the floor.

The game began with Lakes lighting up the scoreboard on offense. Darius Imperial sped out of the gate, sinking a trio of three pointers to give the home side a high scoring offensive output in the first quarter. Jalen Boone chipped in to the scoring with eight points after one. Lakes led Gig Harbor 19-16 after one quarter.

The second quarter was the Michael Masini show for Gig Harbor. The offensive leader of the Tides scored ten of his sixteen points in the 2nd quarter, with Lakes in search of answers to stop the talented Masini. Bryce McCray for Lakes was why Lakes maintained their lead, scoring seven points in the 2nd quarter. Lakes found their offensive stride late in the half, to take a 37-29 advantage into the locker room.

Half number two witnessed a rally from Gig Harbor. It began with Cole Browne. Unable to make an impact in the first half, Browne sought to will Gig Harbor back in the game, scoring ten in the second half. Lakes led 50-44 at the end of three quarters.

Lakes sports six seniors on their roster. When games hang in the balance, it is up to the veterans to shine when the lights the brightest. Khaleb Chisolm thanks to quick transition offense did just that. Chisolm scored eight in the fourth quarter alone. Lakes however, had their lead cut to as little as one, but their defense never relinquished the lead. Bryce McCray buried a pair of free throws to clinch the game for Lakes. McCray’s full court effort and 11 points was worthy to win our Thorbeckes MVP of the game. With the win, Lakes plays host to Bellarmine, Thursday night at 7pm. The winner will secure a spot in the PSL Championship Game. Gig Harbor travels to encounter North Thurston with a spot in the district tournament on the line.

Here are scorers from the game.

Gig Harbor:

Michael Masini 23; Cole Browne 13; DJ Darling 5; Troy Arnold 5; Colin Nelson 4; Ty Buchanan 4; Jack Brown 3; Quentin Bockhorn 2; Jack Johnsen 2;

Lakes:

Khaleb Chisolm 13; Jalen Boone 13; Darius Imperial 12; Bryce McCray 11; Deonte’ Jones 8; Aaron Miller 6; Mikey Stroud 3;

To catch the full game replay Click Here (Subscription Required).

Here is our postgame interview with our Game MVP Bryce McCray and Head Coach Matt Robles, followed by highlights from the game.

ESN Talks with Game MVP Bryce McCray and Head Coach Matt Robles