RANGELEY — The Lakers’ tough 3-2 defense and hot perimeter shooting had the top-ranked visiting Richmond Bobcats (14-1) fighting for dear life and trailing 11-5 after one quarter on Friday evening, Jan. 29.

The Rangeley boys’ basketball coach wanted to slow the potent Richmond transition game down entering the “Senior Night” contest and his strategy seemed to work as the Bobcats had a difficult time penetrating Rangeley’s zone defense.

Rangeley junior guards Regan Sargent and Jordan Richard had the hot hands for Rangeley as they led the Lake

The Bobcats stormed back in the second quarter outscoring the Lakers 15-6. Richmond’s full court press gave Rangeley trouble and resulted in numerous Bobcat steals leading to easy baskets. Rangeley held tough however and only trailed Richmond by three at the half (20-17).

The Bobcats full-court press, height advantage and steals enabled Richmond to outscore Rangeley 26-11 in the second half and post a 46-28 win.

Regan Sargent led Rangeley scorers with nine points, Jordan Richard tallied eight and Zach Abbott and Alex Morton each contributed four points for the Lakers.

Richmond’s top scorer was senior guard Nick Woods with 18 points

Rangeley’s last regular season basketball game (boys and girls) is Wednesday, Feb. 3 at home against Pine Tree Academy (the game that was postponed on Thursday due to inclement weather).