Though Lakeland registered a loss Saturday evening, its fourth quarter effort showed it is still full of promise. The Cavaliers narrowed the gap on the scoreboard against Menchville, but ultimately lost 58-46 to place sixth in the second annual Bulldog Christmas Tournament at King’s Fork High School.

“Love the way we surfaced in the fourth quarter, because we didn’t give up,” Lakeland head coach Clint Wright said. “The score did not indicate our success. Not tonight, anyway.”

Lakeland started the final period down 52-30.

“I think we got within six or eight points, and we really had them rattled,” Wright said. “But then it was time to focus, and that’s something that we actually didn’t really do.”

The Monarchs went scoreless for a three-minute stretch in the final five minutes of the game, but despite creating some turnovers and getting offensive rebounds, the Cavs could not get any closer than 52-46.

Nevertheless, they outscored Menchville in the fourth, 16-6.

“It showed that we’re on edge,” Wright said. “We’re about to make this thing really happen, and I’m still excited, still excited about these guys.”

Another remarkable detail about the way Lakeland finished was who was on the court.

“As I shared with the guys, it’s not really who starts the game,” Wright said. “We had a totally different five that ended the ball game, and that’s what I think about the talent and the depth that this team has.”

Freshman forward Deonta Knight led Lakeland with 10 points and 15 rebounds while senior guard SeVeante Williams also had 10 points and senior guard Dexter Davis chipped in nine. Senior guard Antonio Jefferson grabbed four steals.

Wright was very pleased with the tournament, which allowed his guys to play three games in three nights.

“I commended the (King’s Fork) athletic director Randy Jessee on the way this thing was organized,” he said. “It was ideal to give my guys some great basketball.”

Lakeland (5-7, 2-5) will return to district action next Friday when it hosts Grassfield.