JaQuan Johnson '14 had 16 points in the Aces' win.

The Aces bolted to an early lead and never looked back in a 61-41 thrashing of Strath Haven on Friday night. Every active player on the roster saw action. Four players notched their first career points in the first win of the young season.

It was a vintage defensive effort for the Aces. LM limited the Panthers to single-digit scoring in both the second and third quarters, and harassed the Panthers’ sharp-shooting backcourt all night. Leading 32-19 at the half, the Aces turned up the heat in the third, exploding on an 18-4 run, highlighted by two treys from Corey Sherman ’14 (12 points), a soaring block from Justin McFadden ’14 (12 points, 5 assists), two steals and layups from JaQuan Johnson ‘14 (team-high 16 points) and a scintillating drive and reverse layup from Steve Pendleton ’15, who notched eight points in his first-ever start. Seniors Dave “Bearcat” Baer and Adrian Levitt also recorded their first varsity points in the frame.

The Aces’ reserves earned a well-deserved opportunity to close out the game in the fourth quarter. Highlights included an acrobatic, and-one layup by KJ Helton ’16 (4 points) and outstanding hustle plays by Eli Needle ’16 and Myles McGregor ’16, who both laid out for loose balls. Ninth graders Terrell Jones and Noah Fennell saw their first game action and scored their first career points as well, capping a very satisfying – and much-needed – Aces victory.

On hand to celebrate with the Aces was likely the largest LM student section at Strath Haven in recent memory. The Dawg Pound filled the stands behind the team bench, providing a loud, home-court advantage at one of the league’s more remote destinations.

The Aces return to the road on Tuesday night at Penncrest. Tip-off is 7 PM.