In its only hoop action last week, the White River High boys found out the hard way that Lakes High, a squad that finished second in last year’s Class 3A state tournament, still has the personnel left over to put a pretty decent contingent on the floor.

The visiting Lancers, who sit atop the South Puget Sound League 3A along with Enumclaw with perfect records, ran the Hornets through by the score of 76-57. The Lancers’ point guard, Danny Martinez, buried five 3-pointers en route to the convincing triumph, which saw the Hornets heading into the holiday season with an empty stocking at 0-6 overall.

“There are stages during the games when we have looked great, but what we have to do is work harder on our consistency,” said Hornet boss Bill Hawk. “We are in a very tough league and there is nothing being given away. That means we have to be very focused on getting better as a team.

“I feel as if this positive group of guys is up to the challenge though, as they all have great attitudes and are eager to become better as a team.”

Senior Kenneth Thomas was both the leading rebounder and the leading scorer for White River in the fast-moving Lakes affair, scoring 24 points while hauling down eight rebounds. Lakes outrebounded White River 31-22.

Due to the inclement weather, the Hornets had to scratch their Friday travel plans to Franklin Pierce High. Next on the schedule is a nonleague trip to Washington High beginning at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Reach John Leggett at jleggett@courierherald.com or 360-802-8207.