Lafayette – Sneaking Up on the Big Boys

(St. Louis, MO) – Lafayette’s basketball team doesn’t pass the ‘lobby test’ but they are passing the court tested quiz on a nightly basis. When they walk into the visiting gym they do not intimidate the opposing teams or fans, but this is a team that is ‘tournament ready.’

Last Friday the Lancers proved once again they are one of the better teams in the St. Louis area. Head Coach Scott Allen’s team had already won the Webster Classic while defeating the Statesmen on their home floor. They won the consolation bracket of the Meramec Holiday Festival and Friday they were in the championship game of the Ameritime Classic.

Mighty Hazelwood Central stood between Lafayette and the championship of the Parkway West hosted event. The Hawks are bigger, faster, longer and more highly touted than Lafayette.

While the Hawks like to push the pace, the Lancers were able to keep the tempo much slower. They ran their offensive sets and were able to keep the taller Hazelwood team off the glass just enough to eek out a 44-41 championship victory.

The games were played at Missouri Baptist University and broadcast on the Spartan Digital Network and the last two games were televised by Charter. I was  privileged to work a number of the games and the entire tournament had a collegiate feel.

Lafayette’s Nate Messer was solid all week, but was a stud in the championship game. Nate’s big brother Mike is part of the SIUE program and Nate showed poise beyond his years.

Messer took every big shot, making three 3-point baskets and went 4-for-4 from the free throw line. He finished with 17 points and 48 points for the three game tournament. He hit 11 shots from distance for the week.

Allen’s team played each game with scores in the 40’s and seem to be at their best when brackets are involved. Lafayette is now 14 & 3 and nine and one in tournaments. Perhaps this is a season where they can sneak up on the ‘big boys’ and make some noise in March.

Point guard Adam Witzig keeps them on track. Center (6’8”) Zach Steinburg can step outside and shoot threes and they are surprisingly athletic with the Scales brothers (Cameron & Evan) on the wings. They don’t pass the eye test, but ask Hazelwood Central and Webster Groves if the Lancers are difficult to play.

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