Lake teams close 2025 strong, open 2026 with momentum

Of course, every day of the year is important, but it’s those first and last days that always receive the lion’s share of attention and focus.

Which means the Lake girls’ basketball team did a heck of a job sending out 2025 and welcoming 2026.

After evening their record with wins over Green and Stow-Munroe Falls right before Christmas, the Blue Streaks kept the mojo going by defeating visiting Tallmadge 56-52 Dec. 29 in what was Lake’s final game of 2025. The Blue Streaks reconvened Jan. 3 and rang in the New Year with a 51-37 thumping of Federal League opponent Hoover to extend their winning streak to four.

Against the Blue Devils, it was touch-and-go from the start as the lead changed hands several times. As the first half drew to a close, the teams were knotted at 30-30. It was the third quarter in which Lake created some separation, outscoring Tallmadge 12-7 to open up a five-point advantage.

Tallmadge made its run but could not overtake the Blue Streaks, who were led by Hayden Croyle’s 19 points. Savanna Horning added 14 points, nine assists and four steals, while Kaitlyn Josef chipped in 12 points and eight rebounds. Newcomer Bella Walchalk contributed eight points, including two 3-pointers. Jonna Albertson paced the Blue Devils (7-4) with 12 points.

Following the holiday, Lake welcomed Hoover in a Federal League showdown as the Blue Streaks looked to make up ground in the conference. Unlike the Tallmadge contest, Lake removed the suspense early, doubling up the Vikings to take a 10-5 lead after the first period. The Blue Streaks kept the pressure on, opening a 23-11 lead at halftime.

Hoover found its offensive rhythm in the second half but could not make up ground on Lake (7-5, 4-2). Horning led all scorers with 19 points, while Croyle finished one rebound shy of a double-double with 12 points and nine boards. Zoe McCort scored 12 points to lead Hoover (6-4, 4-2).

Wrestling

With a nod to Seinfeld, wrestling may be a sport more suited for Festivus than Christmas. After competing in the Big Cat Holiday Tournament at Canton South’s Red Ash Gymnasium Dec. 27, the Blue Streaks aired their grievances against a field of 17 other schools.

Lake placed eighth with 90.5 points. Alliance claimed the team title with 267 points, while Brecksville finished runner-up with 229.

Preston Shyjka was Lake’s top placer, advancing to the finals at 175 pounds before losing by fall at 1:57 to Alliance’s Andrew Pennington. At 106, Luke Donahue finished third, pinning Norwayne’s Aiden Berry at 3:35.

Matt Shaffer placed fourth, losing by fall to Brunswick’s Davis Hulvalchick in the third-place match. Mason Tyner (215) finished seventh, pinning Massillon Perry’s Isaiah Haavisto in 1:37.

Jovan Jokic (165), Bryson Feciuch (120) and Andy Zalewski (285) each placed eighth, while Jameson Hall (190) finished 10th.

Boys Basketball

While full results were not available during the holiday season, the Blue Streaks had a busy stretch before and after the New Year, playing three games, including matchups against two of the area’s stronger teams.

On Dec. 27, Lake visited Alliance of the Eastern Buckeye Conference, where the Aviators (7-1) pulled away for a 52-37 victory.

Staying on the road, the Blue Streaks rebounded with a dominant 68-17 nonconference win at Coventry on Dec. 30. Lake jumped out to a 24-7 first-quarter lead and never looked back against the Comets (3-6).

Lake returned home to face Federal League leader North Canton Hoover, hanging close through the first quarter while trailing 13-10. The Vikings outscored the Blue Streaks 15-7 in the second period and pulled away for a 59-44 win. With the loss, Lake slipped to 5-6 overall and 1-3 in league play.