By Jenny Matteson
Leader Staff Writer

With their two game winning streak over, the Oxford Wildcats accepted a hard 54-42 loss to projected-league champions Lapeer East this past Friday.
“If we would have shot better we would have won the game,” said head coach Steve Laidlaw.
Once again the Wildcats started off slow giving the Eagles a 21-7 lead at the end of the first period. Partially overcome by Lapeer East’s height, including a 6 foot-7 inch center, and blocking techniques, the Oxford b-ballers never recovered.
Despite 26 turnovers forced by Oxford, who only allowed 12, Lapeer East still maintained the wide point gap throughout the game.
“You should win those types of games,” said Laidlaw. “We got out rebounded something horribly.”
The Wildcats also didn’t have the greatest night for shooting with only a 27 percent average for the game. Shots from the free throw line were also average.
Scoring for Oxford were Ryan Stull with 11 points, Joe Fenorinchik with 7, Bryan Mattack with 7, Andy Bukoski with 4, Chris Keener with 3, Anthony Bryant with 2, Casey Mick with 6 and Kevin Boni with 2.
Leading in the rebounds was Bukoski with four, but Laidlaw said no one stood out with a good number of assists.
He did add the Joe Fenorinchik had a great game and played really well.
“He scored seven points with one of those being a three-pointer,” said Laidlaw.
The Wildcats are preparing to face off against Linden this Friday.
The team’s biggest concern for the night will be focusing on their shots and rebounding more, said Laidlaw.
“No matter what though we don’t quit – we continue to scrap and play hard for the whole 32 minutes now.”