On a team with three new starters and little varsity experience,  it was a pair of familiar faces that led the Lancers to a season-opening 45-43 win over Pattonville on Nov. 29.

Seniors Aareon Smith (16 points and 14 rebounds) and Will Montgomery (11 points) did most of their damage under the basket as the team advanced to the second round of the Pattonville Tournament.

“It felt good to carry my team and get a big win. We kept our poise, and for the most part, played as a team,” Smith said.

After opening the game with a 10-2 run and taking a 25-17 lead into halftime, the Lancers fought hard to stay ahead of a persistant Pattonville team. Turnovers and sloppy play in the second half allowed the Pirates to keep it close until the end.

On one occasion, they cut the score to 37-33 before a three-pointer by Montgomery stretched the lead back to six points. A layup by Dion Scott made it 44-43 with less than a minute left, but the Lancers were able to hold on when Pattonville’s last-second shot fell short.

Their second-round game against Chaminade is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 1 at Pattonville High School.