The Iowa Lakes Lakers competed at Marshalltown Community College this past weekend as part of the Emerson Classic, taking on Rock Valley College and Bryant & Stratton (WI) in neutral‑site matchups.
--- The Iowa Lakes Lakers dropped a tough contest on Friday, falling 84–64 to Bryant & Stratton College (WI). Despite a strong second‑half effort, the early deficit proved too steep to overcome as the Bobcats pulled away with balanced scoring and efficient shooting.
Bryant & Stratton set the tone early, hitting 48 percent from the field and 40 percent from three to build a 40–23 halftime lead. Guard Karter Seawright led the Bobcats with 15 points, while Demajh Salisbery added 14 off the bench. The visitors' depth was on display, with four players reaching double figures and the team converting 78 percent of its free throws.
The Lakers regrouped after halftime, nearly doubling their first‑half output with 41 points. Sophomore guard Jermaine Freeman sparked the rally, pouring in a game‑high 22 points on 7‑of‑16 shooting, including three triples. He also added four assists and two steals in 35 minutes of play. Forward Steven Martinez battled inside for a double‑double of 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Timothy Ofesi contributed 10 points and five boards. Off the bench, Jack Wadlington provided steady playmaking with seven assists and seven points.
Iowa Lakes finished at 39 percent shooting overall and 25 percent from beyond the arc, while Bryant & Stratton controlled the glass with a 40–31 rebounding edge. The Lakers showed resilience in the second half, but the Bobcats' early surge proved decisive.
--- The Iowa Lakes Lakers closed out their weekend with a 92–72 loss to Rock Valley College. Despite strong individual performances and improved shooting from beyond the arc, the Lakers couldn't slow down Rock Valley's efficient offense.
Iowa Lakes kept pace early, scoring 36 points in each half, but Rock Valley's hot shooting proved decisive. Sophomore guard Jermaine Freeman once again led the Lakers, finishing with 22 points, three assists, and seven made free throws. Cooper Harris provided a spark with 15 points and three triples, while Steven Martinez added 12 points and six rebounds. Off the bench, Germaal Forde contributed 12 points and six boards, and Jack Wadlington dished out two assists to go with his three points.
The Lakers matched Rock Valley from deep, hitting 10 threes at a 47 percent clip, but the Golden Eagles' overall shooting and ability to convert turnovers into points created separation. Iowa Lakes finished the game shooting 44 percent from the field and 64 percent at the line.
With the loss, Iowa Lakes moves to 1-6 on the season after a challenging neutral‑site weekend against two strong opponents. The Lakers will look to regroup and build on the positives as they return to action in upcoming non‑conference play Tuesday, September 18th at 7:30 pm in Laker Gym.