The Vernon Vikings will wrap up 2023 with a road trip to face off against the Lakeland Regional Lancers at 2:00 p.m. on Friday. Vernon is hoping to put an end to a three-game streak of away losses.
Vernon's 19-4 record from last season is now well into the rear view mirror after another tough outing. They took a 64-51 hit to the loss column at the hands of Delaware Valley on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Lakeland Regional had to endure a five-game losing streak dating back to last season, but that streak is no more. They came out on top against Whippany Park by a score of 62-53 on Wednesday. That looming 62-53 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for Lakeland Regional yet this season.
Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Lakeland Regional to victory, but perhaps none more so than Noah Pagan, who dropped a double-double on 20 points and 14 rebounds. Pagan is absolutely dominating the rebound category: he's posted at least eight every time he's taken the court this season. Another player making a difference was Tyler Lynn, who scored 19 points along with three steals.
Vernon's defeat dropped their record down to 1-3. As for Lakeland Regional, their victory bumped their record up to 1-4.
Vernon won a game that couldn't have been any closer in their previous meeting back in December of 2018, slipping by Lakeland Regional 54-53. Does Vernon have another victory up their sleeve, or will Lakeland Regional turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
