Battle For The Top - South Lakes vs Langley
STERLING, VA - In Tuesday's game of the week showdown between South Lakes and Langley, we have ourselves a dogfight. Both teams come in looking to establish themselves as the top dogs in a crowded pool of Liberty District contenders.
In one corner, we have the Langley Saxons. Off to a blistering 9-1 start, Langley has grabbed all the attention in the region and deservedly so. Finding a balanced scoring attack, the Saxons have managed to find themselves on the winning end of all but one of their games so far this year. In their one loss to McLean, the Saxons fell victim to a last-second shot but since then have won five in a row, including their Holiday Tournament in California.
Yet in tonight's match-up, Langley will surely face their toughest test of the season. South Lakes comes in at 8-2, yet their losses have come at the hands of Westfield and Madison, two of the better teams in the Northern Virginia area. A win here for Langley not only would legitimize the Saxons as contenders in the Liberty, but they would surely set the tone for the rest of their season.
South Lakes however, led by Curtis Keys and Jay Bowman, would be more than willing to end Langley's joyride. Coming off a rough ten point loss to Madison on Friday, a win over Langley would not only restore their confidence, but rather this team would still be right in the hunt for first place. South Lakes already has huge wins over Freedom-Woodbridge, Hayfield, and Herndon, so another big win would only do wonders for this basketball team.
South Lakes Keys to the Game:
Limit Davenport- Despite the fact that Langley's Ryan Davenport is getting help from different outlets this year, he's still their main man. Stop Davenport and you stop the heart of Langley.
Team Defense- Langley has four guys that can burn you on the court, so sound fundamental defense from all five of South Lakes' defenders is imperative. Any one slip up, and Langley will surely make you pay.
Langley Keys to the Game:
Don't Let Keys Get Hot- South Lakes' Curtis Keys is one of the best shooters in the region and once he gets hot, he can be hard to stop. If Langley keeps him off-balance, they'll be fine. If not, well, it could be a long night.
Blow 'Em Out Early- Letting the Seahawks hang around the game is the worst thing Langley could do tonight. South Lakes plays excellent when the game is close while Langley does not. If coach Hess can get his team out to a comfortable lead, it's paramount for his team to keep it.
