Lake Mead boys can’t contain Rancho Solano Prep down the stretch

It was a slow second half for Lake Mead’s boys basketball team Saturday.

After taking a one-point lead into halftime, the Eagles couldn’t muster much offense or defense and lost to visiting Rancho Solano Prep (Arizona) 49-34.

The biggest problem for Lake Mead (8-12) in the final 16 minutes was its lack of transition defense.

“I’m guessing they had eight to 12 points on layups in the second half alone because we didn’t get back on that transition defense,” Lake Mead coach Jeff Newton said. “That was the big thing. We didn’t box out well, but you have to give credit to them for getting down there.”

Junior Elijah Simmons led Rancho Solano (13-9) with 14 points, and freshman Kiimani Holt scored 13.

“They’re a young team, but they’re going to be very good,” Newton said. “That was our saving grace was how young they are.”

The Eagles were outscored 32-16 in the second half, including 19-9 in the third quarter. It seemed as if none of the shots Lake Mead needed to fall did down the stretch.

“We had four or five wide-open 3s. If we make two or three of those, we’re right back into the game,” Newton said. “The ball just didn’t go down, but I thought the kids executed well.”

Junior Shay Rutledge led Lake Mead with 15 points.

“I thought the kids played hard,” Newton said. “We just have to learn not to turn it over as much and box out a little better. Maybe try to get the other team into a little foul trouble by attacking and being a little more aggressive.”

The Eagles are 2-3 in their past five games, but Newton said he has seen progress.

“It’s the story of our season, the little things,” he said. “But we’re getting better. We’re playing good teams, and that’s the only way you do get better. This schedule was intentional because we wanted to play a good quality team.”

Lake Mead has a young roster with just four seniors, but Newton is happy with how they have played.

“Our kids our together for a couple of years,” he said. “We’re looking forward to our growth, and again the only way you can get better is to play good teams.”

Contact reporter Bill Slane at bslane@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4559. Follow @bill_slane on Twitter.