Lyle/Pacelli Athletics boys basketball team rolls by Grand Meadow 97-35 in season opener

The Lyle/Pacelli Athletics boys basketball team, coming off a 23-5 campaign in 2021-2022 and returning a veteran lineup for the 2022-2023 season opened at home in a jam-packed Lyle Gymnasium Friday evening versus the Grand Meadow Superlarks in a Southeast Conference West Division matchup, and it was the Athletics rolling to a 97-35 win.

Lyle/Pacelli never trailed in the game and led 10-9 early in the first half when they opened up a 25-12 lead after going on a 15-3 run, and they used stifling man-to-man pressure and high percentage shooting to open up a 53-29 lead at the half.  The Athletics did not let their foot off the gas to open the second half as they went on a 36-2 run to open up a 73-29 lead, and they wound up holding the Superlarks to only six points for the entire second half, plus they forced 35 Grand Meadow turnovers in the game on their way to the win.

Buay Koak, the Southeast Conference Player of the Year last season led LP offensively with 27 points, Mac Nelson, who was second team all-conference last year swished four 3-pointers on his way to 19 points, Jake Truckenmiller, who was first team all-conference in 2021-2022 finished with 18 points and he and Trey Anderson combined for 15 of Lyle/Pacelli’s 25 steals in the game, plus Anderson was also in double figures in points with 11, Landon Meyer finished with 10 points, Hunter Bauer tallied eight points, and Mitchell Johnson and Othello Stone each added two points apiece in the win.  Sophomore guard/forward Alex Lopez led Grand Meadow in scoring with 16 points, all in the first half, and he was a perfect 6 for 6 from the free throw line.

With the win, Lyle/Pacelli opens up at 1-0, and they return to action at home next Tuesday night versus Mabel/Canton, while Grand Meadow will look for a win in Adams next Tuesday night versus Southland.  Tip-off for both games will be at 7:15 p.m.