Lakeland High School’s boys’ basketball team battled back from 17 points down in the second quarter of their home opener on Friday against Indian River High School, but the Cavaliers were unable to close the deal.

The Cavaliers tied the game with just under a minute remaining, but they lost 57-54.

“Throughout the whole game, we missed easy shots,” Lakeland coach Clint Wright said.

While the Cavs did eventually make the game close, Wright said, “I thought that (Indian River) executed down the stretch a touch better than what we did. Games like this are humbling basketball games, and we’re hoping that guys will show up at practice and focus.”

Sophomore Deonta Knight led Lakeland with 11 points and 13 rebounds, while junior Kenya Latham had 10 points and four assists.

Wright is excited about the direction his team is headed and made a point of showing his gratitude for the big crowd at Friday’s game.

“I was so appreciative of the attendance and the support that fans gave us on tonight, because I had not experienced that since I had gotten there, and it was such a warm feeling that I had,” Wright said.

The Cavaliers (1-1, 0-0) host Oscar Smith High School on Tuesday at 7:15 p.m.