Estherville, IA- The NJCAA 6th ranked Iowa Lakes Men's Basketball team is set to take on 9th ranked Kirkwood in the Region XI Championship game Saturday, March 11th at 3 pm in Estherville.
The Lakers who finished the regular season going 21-7 overall and 13-3 in Iowa Community College Athletic Conference play are led by Sophomore Jeremiah Burke. Burke averaged 15.1 points and 9.7 rebounds per contest this season. His 9.7 rebounds per game led the ICCAC. Others scoring in double figures for the Lakers include Isaiah Williams at 12.2 points per game, Creighton Morisch at 11.5 points per game, and Anthony Holden at 11.3 points per game.
The Lakers who pride themselves on defending and rebounding the ball were 2nd in defensive field goal percentage holding opponents to 42% from the floor and 1st in rebounding margin grabbing 12.8 rebounds more per game than their opponents. The Lakers also led the ICCAC in points per game this season at 82.5, offensive field goal percentage at 48.9%, 3-point field goal percentage at 37.7%, and assists at 19.4 per game.
Kirkwood finished their season 25-6 overall and 11-5 in ICCAC play. They are led by Noah King who averaged 16 points per game. Others scoring in double figures for the Eagles were Cassius Brooks at 14.3 points per game, and Justin Recker at 12.9 points per game.
The two teams split this season with both teams winning on their home floors, respectively.
"This should be a highly competitive game, between two great teams. We are really excited to be hosting this game in Laker Gymnasium, earning the right to host the championship game is something our players and staff are proud of. We are looking forward to being able to give our great fans a chance to see us play one more time this season." Said Laker Head Coach Troy Larson.
The winner of the game advances to the NJCAA National Tournament which will be held March 21st-25th in Danville, Illinois.