Bobcat boys prevail 71-60

FALLS VILLAGE — Lakeview High School boys varsity basketball defeated Housatonic Valley Regional High School 71-60 on Rivalry Night Feb. 5.

The Bobcat boys won through efficient offensive production and high-percentage shooting. Lakeview led from start to finish and beat HVRHS for the second time this season.

Fueled by a packed gymnasium in Falls Village, Housatonic began to mount a comeback in the second half. They repeatedly forced turnovers and chipped away at the deficit. Early in the fourth quarter, HVRHS trailed by just five points, but the Mountaineers ran out of clock and Lakeview won by 11 points.

The evening of high school hoops doubled as a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness. Fans dressed in pink filled the bleachers as “Shoot for a Cure” raised more than $300.

“We haven’t had a crowd like this in a long time. It’s fun,” said HVRHS forward Simon Markow.

Fans sport pink in support of breast cancer awareness.Riley Klein

Lakeview’s teams contributed $100 to the cause and the away section of the bleachers was just as lively as the home section. Students were bussed from Litchfield to Falls Village to cheer and chant.

Lakeview’s lights-out shooting and rebounding dominance earned them the win. Guards John Gollow and Anthony Turturo led the team in scoring with 21 and 17 points respectively.

Housatonic spread the scoring around with 17 points for Anthony Labbadia, 15 points for Wes Allyn, 11 points for Owen Riemer and 10 points for Mason O’Niel.

After the game, Lakeview’s record advanced to 8-6, putting them at fourth place in the Berkshire League standings. HVRHS moved to 5-12 and remained in fifth place in the BL boys rankings.

With the post season just around the corner, as of Feb. 6, Shepaug remained atop the BL undefeated at 17-0, followed by Thomaston at 14-3 and Nonnewaug at 13-4.

Berkshire League boys playoffs begin Feb. 18.