Basketball Recap: Lakewood Ranch's Luck Changes for the Better on Friday

Lakewood Ranch needed a changed in momentum after dropping eight straight games and they got it from James Butler. The Lakewood Ranch Mustangs walked away with a 75-63 victory over Gulf Coast HEAT on Friday thanks in part to Butler, who went 13 for 26 on his way to 36 points in addition to eight steals and seven rebounds. The dominant performance gave him a new career-high in points.

Despite the loss, Gulf Coast HEAT had strong showings from Steven Scott, who dropped a double-double on 15 points and 11 boards, and Westin Lacey, who went 6 of 13 en route to 17 points along with eight rebounds and four steals. Scott is also crushing it when it comes to blocks: he's posted at least two every time he's taken the court this season. Cayden Bosso was another key player, going 6 for 13 on his way to 12 points and seven assists.

Lakewood Ranch's win ended a three-game drought at home and bumped them up to 4-17. As for Gulf Coast HEAT, they moved to 12-5 with that defeat, which also ended their three-game winning streak.

Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Lakewood Ranch will host Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate at 7:30 p.m. on Monday. As for Gulf Coast HEAT, they will be playing at home against Sarasota Military Academy at 7:00 p.m. on Monday.