Lacey Stifles Barnegat at Christmas Classic

The Lacey Lions opened big and then won big in the first round of the WOBM Christmas Classic this past weekend.

Lacey defeated the Barnegat Bengals 43-28, jumping out to a quick 8-1 advantage.

The Bengals would not quit despite the early hole, and were able to keep the game fairly even throughout the first half as they fought back from a slow start and found themselves within 5 at the half, trailing 20-15. 

Lacey pulled away in the second half and began to take control of the contest, led by the standout play of senior Deon Smith, who would go on to score 24 points and lead all scorers.

Barnegat had trouble finding answers to the Lacey defense, as the Bengals were held to just 2 points in the first 11 minutes of the second half.  By the time the Bengals could find an offensive rhythm, the deficit was too much for Barnegat to overcome. 

The Lions will move on to the quarterfinals and meet top-seeded Jackson Memorial on Dec. 27 at 7:45 p.m. in the Poland Spring Arena.  Barnegat will face Ocean in the loser's bracket on Dec. 27 at 12:45 p.m. in the Toms River High School North Gymnasium.