Lindbergh Cruises to Fifth Win in a Row

The Lindbergh Flyers boys basketball team cruised to an easy victory against the Francis Howell North Knights on Friday on the opening night of the inaugural GAC/Suburban Basketball Challenge at theFamily Arena in St. Charles.

FHN sought to post its first win of the season as the team entered the contest with an 0-5 record, but fell behind early against Lindbergh and were unable to catch up. The Lindbergh Flyers raised its record to 5-1 with the 59-44 win.

Lindbergh's outside shooting overwhelmed the Knights, as they hit a trio of three-pointers to leave Knights down 31-21 at the end of the half.

FHN narrowed lead with strong defensive pressue as senior Andre Wooten stole the ball at mid court and passed to sophomore Kyle Lemons for a basket.

FHN Coach Bill Moyer hoped his team could build on some defensive success they had in a loss to Duchesne this week.

"We need to establish some consistency," said Moyer.  "Especially coming off our best defensive performance of the season against Duchesne, tonight was disappointing."

Senior Andre Wooten was a strong part of FHN's defense, but he said the team had trouble executing on defense.

"We need to translate our effort in practice into our games to get a win and we're going to keep playing hard till that happens," he said.

The Knights' best chance to gain the lead followed an offensive rebound by Wooten and a subsequent basket by 6'3" senior Dan McGraw, who led the Knights with 10 points on the evening.  

A few seconds later McGraw, struck again to make it 40-35 Lindbergh. His basket was answered quickly as Flyers' junior Blake Welch scored while falling to the ground after a foul and then hit his free throw to finish the three point play.

"We came out a little flat but our defense kept us in it and we were able to pull away in the fourth quarter, I'm pleased overall with our effort," said Lindbergh Coach Jason Wolfard.