In a thrilling finish with less than 10 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Glen Lake junior Benji Allen got a pass on the left wing, drove to the basket, and secured the Lakers’ first district championship since 2021 with a 44-42 victory over Frankfort on Friday, March 1.
“We knew we had people who could score. We trust everybody and the big thing that was going to get us out of that game was rebounding on defense, and I think that’s why we won the game,” Allen said. “Coach was like, ‘take it to the bucket. You gotta take it to the bucket.’” Frankfort set the tone early in the first quarter, gaining momentum going into the second tied 10-10.
The Lakers gained traction in the first four minutes of the second quarter, but Frankfort quickly recaptured control with tough defense that led to offensive opportunities going into halftime up 26-20. There were at least seven lead changes in the second quarter alone.
Glen Lake proved to show signs it could handle Frankfort’s patient weaving offense in the second half. Slowly but surely, Glen Lake finally tied the game 35-35 at the end of the third quarter behind gritty defensive play led by Glen Lake senior Dylan Cundiff.
“You gotta leave it out there. For us seniors especially, this is potentially our last game … We weren’t gonna let it just slide away, And I think that’s what happened at the end,” Cundiff said Frankfort led 38-36 with five minutes remaining, but left the door open with multiple turnovers that led to a sophomore Jacob Plamondon basket (3838).
Frankfort junior Carter Kerby made a crafty shot to take a 42-41 lead.
Plamondon would eventually tie the game again 42-42, then Allen won it with an aggressive drive to the hoop and basket.
Both coaches were not happy with multiple official calls down the stretch.
Glen Lake sophomore Jacob Plamondon led with 16 points, 10 rebounds, followed by Allen with eight points, Cooper Bufalini with six points, three assists, and Dylan Cundiff with eight huge points, three assists.
“We had to have confidence, you just had to play through … This means everything for us on the team,” Plamondon said.
The Panthers valiant effort was led by Emmerson Farmer with 13 points; Bryce Plesh with 10 points and Carter Kerby with 10 points.
Frankfort knew it had to keep the game low scoring after losing twice to the Lakers in the regular season. The Panthers executed their game plan masterfully and controlled the tempo for 90% of the game.
“We played the exact game plan we wanted. We wanted to be in it at the end and try to steal it. A couple calls didn’t go our way late … It’s just didn’t close out how we wanted,” Frankfort coach Dan Loney said. “ I love those kids. Those kids came in the program four years ago. They’ve done nothing but absolutely what I’ve asked — Work hard put your head down — They show up every single day … Just look back and enjoy the memories. Obviously today hurts, but we’ll get over it.”
Glen Lake remained in striking distance and took advantage when they had a chance.
“It took me three, four quarters to get one of the boys to go above that screen. We started figuring it out and that’s where we got a couple turnovers ... We were playing on our heels a little bit. We can’t have that. Gotta be up. Instead we did it at their place,” Coach Jason Bradford said.
After taking over the boys program halfway through this season, Bradford adds a boys district championship to his several girls basketball district championships.
“That’s the biggest thing. That’s what I’ve been preaching the whole time. Expecting it, working hard and expecting it,” Bradford said.
