Lawrence Defense Too Much for Sewanhaka

It can never be said that the boys’ basketball team can’t take a punch. After withstanding a furious run by Sewanhaka in the opening four minutes of the game, the visiting Golden Tornadoes brushed off an early 11-point deficit and easily defeated the Indians 56-38 in Conference A-II play. 

Senior Ahmad Shamseldin had a game-high 22 points, and sophomore guard Eddie Robinson scored 16 points, pulled down seven rebounds and dished out four assists for Lawrence. Senior Shella Adeniran led Sewanhaka with 14 points and eight rebounds. 

Lawrence head coach Pete Linderman was happy with his team’s fortitude. “It’s really the first time this season where we took a hit like that to start the game,” he said. “I told them to take a deep breath, relax, get a couple of stops, play Lawrence basketball, and we’ll be right back in it. We were playing a little shorthanded, so we knew it would be a challenge. We stumbled a little bit, but came back and got the win. I’m so proud of the guys.” 

Sewanhaka (3-1, 6-2 overall) broke out of the gates like a thoroughbred. Adeniran scored five quick points as the Indians raced to an 11-0 lead. Samson Bialastok’s put-back with 3:38 left in the opening quarter finally got the Golden Tornadoes on the scoreboard. Lawrence never looked back. Shamseldin scored six points as the Golden Tornadoes finished the opening eight minutes on a 12-2 run. 

A basket by Adeniran gave Sewanhaka a 15-12 lead, but the layup accounted for the only points the Indians would score in the second quarter. A 3-pointer by freshman guard Dwayne Daniel ended a 14-0 run that gave Lawrence a commanding 26-15 lead at the half. Daniel finished with a career-high 14 points. 

The rout continued in the second half. Lawrence (2-1, 6-2) came out in a full-court press, and Sewanhaka didn’t have an answer. Linderman thought defense was the difference. “I have been preaching it all season, defense wins games,” he said. “Our offense comes from our defense. When we step it up on the defensive end, we’re very tough to beat. I think we’re going to look back at this game as a huge win for us.” 

The Indians cut the lead to 37-28 with 3:20 to play in the third quarter on a 12-footer from Kevin Powers, but six straight points by Robinson put the game out of reach. Lawrence hit on 13 of 15 free throws including its last eight, while Sewanhaka struggled going just four for 15 from the line. Senior Ibraheem Shamseldin dished out four assists for the Golden Tornadoes.    

Lawrence will host undefeated South Side on Tuesday. Tip-off time is 7:30 p.m.

Editor's note: This article incorrectly stated that Eddie Robinson was a junior. He is a sophomore.