The 2003-04 varsity basketball season opened for the Lake Orion Baptist School Lions on Dec. 3, as the team hosted the Sterling Heights Christian Crusaders.
The Lions got off to an early lead in the first quarter with a 10-0 start, and ended the first quarter leading 12-8, and leading at half time 22-19. The team never gave up their lead and held the Crusaders in the third quarter to four points, while scoring 15. The final score was 49-34 in favor of the Lions.
Senior center Brandon Watterworth led all scorers with 20 points and pulled down 23 rebounds for a “double-double.” He also added four blocked shots, and hit 9 for 11 from the floor for 82 percent.
Teammate and senior forward Justin Rettger also had a “double-double” with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Rettger also had two steals and chipped in three 3-pointers for the evening.
Sophomore Jon Moreno added nine points and controlled the tempo for his team from the point guard position. Sophomores Chris Pigeon and Cole Welby each added two points. Jesse Morton led the Crusaders with 16.
On Dec. 4, the Lions hosted the Wixom Warriors. The Lions again established their presence on the home court to send the message “quickness and tenacious defense” as a major part of their game. The Lions owned the first quarter and led 15-7.
They carried that lead into the second, ending the half with a 26-16 lead. The Warriors never led during the game, with the final score 50-36.
Watterworth again led all scorers with 17 points (six for 11 from the floor), 15 rebounds (double-double) and four steals. Rettger played the forward position and also had a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds, three steals and three assists.
The game was a great team effort, according to coach Joe Bullen, with Moreno scoring eight points, three rebounds, five steals, and again controlling the ball from the point. Sophomore forward Clinton Verley added seven points and pulled down eight rebounds, hitting three for four from the foul line to give his team a big second half boost.
Sophomore Cole Welby played the off-guard position and added four points, two rebounds and used his quickness to keep the much taller players searching for a way to get around him, Bullen said. AJ DeMasellis led the Warriors with 16.