The Lakeland Royals made history by playing their first FBA basketball games Saturday night against the Winter Park Storm featuring a 7-foot center playing for the Storm. Amy Rhodes, the owner of the Royals, is the first female owner and also the youngest owner of an FBA team.
This was an exciting game all the way through. The Lakeland Royals got off to a quick start jumping out to a 15 point lead and looked like they were going to run away with the game. However the Storm made some adjustments and remained close throughout the first half. At the end of the first half the score was 58 – 47 Lakeland Royals.
However, the beginning of the second half showed a back and forth contest with each team making some runs. The Royals then had a three minute drought and at the end of the third quarter had the Storm leading 81 to 76.
In the fourth quarter the storm continued to build momentum and with three and a half minutes left led by 11 points. However, the Lakeland Royals began a full court pressure defense the limited the Storm’s ability to gain full control of the game. The Royals put together an impressive run to retake the lead with 44 seconds left in the game. With 26 seconds left the game was tied at 102 – 102. The Royals began to move the ball and made a quick shot and then stole the inbounds pass but missed the short jumper. Smith rebounded the ball and put it in to make the score 106 to 102 lead with 18 seconds left. The Storm went to the free throw line and made 2 free throws bringing the game back to 106 to 104. The Storm fowled Lakeland that had the ball and the Royals made one of 2 free throws bringing the score to 107 to 104 giving the Storm on shot at tying the game. However, the Storm missed two shots and time ran out before they could get the last shot away.
It was a very entertaining game that saw both teams demonstrate how good these players are. Their next home game is April 23rd at Kathleen Senior High School in Lakeland Florida against the Brevard Bobcats. Tickets are $15.00 at the door or $12 if purchased in advance. Military and First Responders are $10 each and children under 5 are free with a paid adult. Season Tickets are only $55.00. Contact Dale Rhodes at 321-917-6596 for ticket information or to purchase a ticket in advance. Please leave a message if no one answers the phone.
Home Schedule:
April 2 vs Storm
April 23 vs Bobcats
May 21 vs Pride
June 4 vs Flight
June 18 vs Titans July 16 vs Blazers