The Pike Liberal Arts boys picked up one its most impressive wins of the season Tuesday night. The Pats knocked off Lakeside 51-37, and are looking to keep the momentum going as they dive in to tournament play this weekend in Ashford.

Head coach Gene Allen said the boys enjoy tournament play, but this go around the Patriots drew a bad seed.

“It will be an early morning for us on Friday, no doubt about that,” Allen said. “We tip off at 8:30 in the morning. We need to win that one, so we don’t have to go back down there at 8:30 the next day. It will be an early day, but I’m sure the guys will be ready to play when they hit the floor.”

Chan Avant is the leader for the Patriots, averaging over 26 points a game.

In Pike’s win over Lakeside, Avant rolled up 38 points, and scored seemingly at will.

Allen said the senior point guard is the glue for his team.

“He makes us go,” Allen said. “Everyone seems to calm down a little when he is hitting shots. He is always strong to the hole, and if confident with the ball in his hand. He and Brian (Adams) are our floor leaders.”

The Pike Liberal Arts girl’s team also picked up a win over Lakeside, but theirs wasn’t as pretty.

The Lady Pats overcame a large second-half deficit to score a 39-37 win over the Lady Chiefs.

Senior guard Katie Ward stole a pass and went coast-to-coast for a lay up off the glass with 38 seconds to plays.

Ward got another steal on the ensuing Lakeside possession to ice the game away.

Lady Patriot head coach Craig Kennedy said his team would never quit, no matter the score.

“These girls play so hard,” said Kennedy. “They are gritty and they take pride in the defense. They believe in our system and know that they must play hard ever second. They give it their all and as a coach, that’s all you can ask for.”

Both the boys and girls teams will take part in the Ashford Academy Tournament over the next two days.