After grabbing the District title from Parkway Central, the Lafayette Lancers must now compete against Chaminade at Lindenwood University.

 Lafayette is considered to be the definite underdogs coming into this game. With Chaminade reeling in most of the crowd (4,000 plus expected) for this game, junior forward Jayson Tatum, the number one high school player in the nation according to ESPN, will lead Chaminade into the game. With three of their players standing above 6’8, the odds from solely an athletic standpoint are stacked in Chaminade’s favor.

But even though the Lancers feel a tremendous amount of pressure to win this game, the pressure may be larger upon Chaminade. Head coach Scott Allen feels they may have an unseen advantage stepping into the contest, as they have nothing to lose. Allen said, “It should be a fun game. We literally have nothing to lose.”

If Lafayette keeps this attitude going into the game, it will surely be a fun game to watch.

The main question on everyone’s mind comes up; how exactly does Lafayette plan to shut down Chaminade’s explosive play style? With National Basketball Association (NBA) and NCAA prospects filling the shoes of the opponents, what in particular must the Lancers do to achieve a victory?

Senior Brian Boyd said, “We are going to play slow. We have to play the game that they don’t like.” A slow and relaxed game. Fundamentally strong basketball and finding holes will be the strongest asset they have. Lafayette just doesn’t have the athleticism; but they do have the heart and the team chemistry to get the job done. If they slow the game down, it will allow the Lancers to run the floor at a similar speed. Once Chaminade loses that advantage, Lafayette’s shooters will have more confidence and more energy to take smarter shots.

The paint for Chaminade will be protected by junior Will Gladsen. The big man stands tall, listed at 6’10. Lafayette senior Zach Steinberg, a 6’9 forward with a strong post game, will most likely be charged with the task of guarding Gladsen on the low block. The Lancer’s interior defense will need to be strong to prevent easy layups and inside baskets. The footwork of Lafayette’s guards must also be difficult to work through, as they will attempt to halt the lanes being opened up to the basket.

Doors open up a 5 p.m. Tip off is an hour later, at 6 p.m.