Veley's 13 Points Pace LP Past LaBelle In Boys Hoops

LAKE PLACID - Playing with effort, intensity and determination - something that's been lacking on a consistent basis during the season - the Lake Placid boys basketball team used a balanced attack led by Conlin Veley's team-high 13 points to beat LaBelle 64-49 on Friday night.

Veley also pulled down 12 rebounds, while younger brother Kurt Veley scored nine points on three 3-pointers as the Class 3A Green Dragons improved to 9-11 with the non-district win.

"It was a good win for us," Conlin Veley said. "When we play with effort and intensity, we're a pretty good team. We need to play hard every minute, because when we let down we lose our tempo and teams make runs on us.

"This was a good team win and it helps us feel better about ourselves."

The loss dropped the 3A Cowboys to 4-13.

Both teams came out running in the opening quarter with Conlin Veley scoring five points and center Travalier Sholtz - who finished with 11 rebounds - adding three, but LaBelle's Hobbs Crockett scored five of his game-high 15 points to give the Cowboys a 13-11 lead heading into the second period.

Kurt Veley got hot from long range and buried a pair of 3-pointers, and sophomore guard Thaddeus Legree nailed a 3-pointer from the right wing to give the Green Dragons a 22-18 lead at the half.

Lake Placid utilized a full-court press to open the second half and forced several Cowboys turnovers.

Andre Wilson scored four points, Legree added five and Sholtz, who dominated play in the paint, scored on a pair of put-backs as the Dragons opened up a 46-33 lead heading into the final eight minutes.

"We had a rebound practice before the game and it helped to toughen us up," said Sholtz. "I came out physical and ready to go because we need to play hard and win every game we can.

"We've been in a losing streak and this gets us a win and some confidence."

Lake Placid's press continued to force LaBelle turnovers and with a big lead, all of the players got some court time in the closing minutes as the Green Dragons cruised to the easy win.

"The guys came out and played with heart and intensity and did what we asked them to do," said second-year LP coach Levi Williams. "The younger kids came in and gave us some energy and did a real good job and helped to increase the lead.

"It's always good to finish the week with a win and this should help our confidence."

The Green Dragons are at DeSoto on Tuesday night and then play host to Sebring on Thursday and to Avon Park on Friday night.

"That's a tough schedule," said Williams. "But playing good teams will only help us in the district tournament in Mulberry in two weeks."