LAKEWOOD — If the slumping economy wasn’t enough, add the Lakewood boys basketball team to that list. The Cougars are 0-8 league and 1-12 overall after going 0-3 last week.

The Jan. 27 home game against Cedarcrest proved to be their closest shot at a win. After trailing by one at halftime and at the end of the third quarter, it seemed as if the Cougs would never quite break through for the lead. The fourth quarter proved fatal as the Red Wolves muscled their way for a comfortable lead to end the game. Lakewood lost by six, 61-56.

The Cougars next game was away against South Whidbey on Jan. 30. The Falcons started off running to a substantial lead at halftime, 36-17. Lakewood suddenly woke up in the fourth quarter and surged. Unfortunately, this late burst wasn’t enough to cool off South Whidbey’s three-point scorers. The Cougars lost this one 65-56.

After two losses, Lakewood was hungry for a win. The Jan. 31 game was a rematch against Cedarcrest to whom they lost earlier in the week. That game was evenly matched until the final quarter. The game however, was a disappointment. Lakewood lost the game, 78-49.

In all three matches one thing was evident. Defense. The Cougars need to focus on defense in order to win games. The Red Wolves big man Cameron Padron torched Lakewood for 29 points and 13 rebounds. Padron and Cedracrest’s other post players were too much for the Cougar front line. South Whidbey’s three-point shooting paved the way for another Lakewood loss.

If defense is there, everything else will follow. The Cougars have a young team with a new coach. Some hiccups are bound to happen. But hopefully this team can bounce back and end the season on a high note.