CROFTON - Smothering defense and explosive fast-break plays spelled victory for the Crofton ladies and Laurel-Concord-Coleridge boys in a Friday night doubleheader that opened the season for both schools.

The Lady Warriors full-court press helped them lead wire-to-wire in a 69-28 drubbing of L-C-C, spearheaded by Lacey Sprakel and her 20 points. Kaley Einrem chipped in 14, while Allie Dahl had 8 of her own. Sprakel also led all rebounders with 7 boards. Kinsey Hall led all Bears scorers with 15, and Mallory Eriksen's spirited play led to 8 points for the freshman.

The Bear Boys flipped the script in the second half of the double-dip as their stifling D was a huge factor in opening up an 8-point lead at the half. L-C-C then exploded for a 26-10 3rd-quarter run, en route to a resounding 70-41 win.

Cael Hartung paced the bears with a game-high 23 points, while Evan Haisch shook off a scoreless 1st half to finish with 18. Evan Schmitt tallied 13 points, and Lucas Rasmussen came off the bench to contribute 8. Mayson Ostermayer was Crofton's top scorer was 13, while center Paul Konechne ponied up 8 points, including a stellar 3-pointer.