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Freshman Lance Stephenson Impresses
Story URL: http://hsnewyork.scout.com/2/492803.html

Russ Blake
ScoutNYPreps.com
Jan 25, 2006

Big matchup was upended by an injury

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. -- It was billed as a matchup between two of the country's top high school freshmen.

In actuality, Fontana H.S. of Southern California looked more like a punching bag for PSAL juggernaut Lincoln H.S., which rolled to a 71-42 victory at the 2006 Basketball City Shootout.

The game was slated to pit Lincoln's 6-5 wing Lance Stephenson against Fontana's 6-4 wing Demetrius Walker, but Walker sat out with a hamstring injury.

The Railsplitters used a 26-6 second quarter surge to grab a commanding 47-19 lead at the half.

"I feel sorry for them," Lincoln Head Coach Dwayne "Tiny" Morton said. "They came all the way out here, and the kid couldn't play."

As a result, the game resembled child's play for Stephenson (16 points) and his cohorts, who shot a blistering 60 percent from the field. Forward Kevin Menner chipped in 10 points and point guard Nick Leon added eight points and six assists. Brandon Walters, a developing 6-9 junior power forward, registered eight points, six rebounds and five blocks for the Railsplitters, who improved to 13-3 this season.

Forward Donte Godlock gave a good effort for the Steelers. He led Fontana with 12 points and 11 rebounds in the lopsided defeat.


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