Lakewood falls to top-ranked Tampa Blake

The Lakewood Ranch boys basketball team believed it could compete with the top-ranked team in the state.

And up until the final seconds of the game, the Mustangs appeared on the verge of knocking off the Tampa Blake. But a foul on a three-point attempt by Blake’s Andre Smith with six seconds left in regulation and the game tied at 57-57 was all the Yellow Jackets needed to avoid an upset.

Smith sank all three of his free throws as Blake went on to defeat Lakewood 60-57 in a Class 3A-Region 3 quarterfinal Feb. 17.

Jordan Baker led the way for Lakewood with 20 points. Brian Cobb followed with 18 points, 11 of which came in the fourth quarter, and 15 rebounds; and Brett Hanewich added eight points and eight rebounds.

The Mustangs, who finished the season 20-9, set a new school record for most wins in a season.

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].