Lakeside's imposing men's State Basketball League form continued on Thursday with a 33 point annihilation of a hugely disappointing John Hughes Stirling Senators side.

The Senators were woeful in the 116-83 home loss, thoroughly outclassed by a Lightning team which stayed top of the table and improved to a 5-0 record with the win.

So impressive was Lakeside and so poor was Stirling that the margin didn't even truly convey how one-sided the match was, with the result beyond reasonable doubt just five minutes into the second quarter when the visitors led by 30 points.

Despite the absence of Lightning centre Jarrad Prue, who is expected back next week from his hamstring injury, the Senators were dominated on the boards 31-12 in the first half and outscored in the paint 28-14 before the main break.

The hosts lost the final rebound count 53-30, simply outnumbered and outhustled on the boards by Lakeside at nearly every contest, while making it to the free-throw line just eight times compared to the Lightning's 29.

Incredibly, it was the 2011 minor premier's third win by 30 or more this season and Lakeside coach Andy Stewart was understandably delighted with the effort.

"That's the best game we've played this season. We've beaten teams by big margins before but that was the best team we've beaten by so much," he said.

"To have all the guards come in and help with the boards with Prue out and the youngsters like Simon Lokan to step up was awesome."

Lightning import Luke Payne starred before half-time but was rarely sighted after the break although he still finished with 23 points, while Brad Jackson had a game-high 26 from just 23 minutes.

Lokan also played a crucial role filling in for Prue in the starting line-up, putting up 15 points and 10 rebounds thanks to his dominant first quarter effort.

There were few noteworthy individual efforts for the Senators though, with Adhar Mayen (12 points) and James Elliott (11) the only two to reach double figure points in their third loss from six games.

Earlier, the Lightning's women also maintained their unbeaten start with a comprehensive 79-60 triumph against Stirling.

Lakeside established a double figure lead shortly before half-time and never let its advantage drop below 10 after the break as it cruised to its fourth straight win.

Courtney Byrnes was outstanding for the Lightning, finishing with 23 points, while Emily Fielding (17 points) and Jessica Seyler (12 points and 12 rebounds) also impressed.

The Senators' loss, which came despite the best efforts of Lauren Jeffers (22 points), saw their record worsen to 1-4.

Article by Jacob Kagi at Warwick Leisure Centre
Photo by Helen Theoharakis (Hoop Shots)

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