LAKEVILLE - It's amazing what can be accomplished when players - and the team - begin to play with more confidence. A few games ago, LaVille head girls' basketball coach Nicholas Amor and his staff talked with players about taking care of the ball, moving the ball more effectively on offense, get to the rim and not settling for outside shots.  Over the last handful of games, the Lancers are seeing the fruits of their labor. Defense has been a key factor for LHS, which currently allows 37.4 points per game, and has an impressive 10-1 record when limiting the opposition to 37 points or less. "We have been playing good team defense," said Amor. "As well as improving on our rebounding." During the 2023-24 season finale - which was also senior night - the Lancer defense pressured the ball, got hands in the passing lanes, picked up deflections and snagged 11 steals.  Brooke Edison was the lead sniper with four steals. "Our defense has been creating offensive opportunities for us," said Amor.  "We have been the aggressors in the past few games and played with the confidence we have been missing. "When you feel confident about your position against your opponent it has a huge impact on how you play. Our girls know that mindset is a huge factor in this game. If they aren't there mentally, they will struggle. It showed Saturday that they were mentally locked in." Edison also hit the boards, hauling down 10 rebounds as LaVille corralled 30 rebounds. On offense, Amor's club was able to solve the packed zone defense the Cavaliers play. Timely passing was key as LaVille continued to increase its lead. "We moved the ball well and continued to find the extra pass," Amor said after watching his club dish 13 assists.  "We got to the rim and didn't settle for outside shots." Sophomore Ava Weil led a balanced offensive attack with 11 points.  Weil also filled the stat box with 8 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists. "Ava is stepping up into the role that the coaches and I have been confident she would find and fill," said Amor. "Ava can be a leader on our team and you nailed the comment with your question: she was aggressive! When she is in attack mode, she is tough." Seniors Lily Smith and London Kwiatkowski added 8 points each, while Jasmine Foster had 5 points.  Mackena Deason and Mikalah Kuskye chipped in with 4 points each. "London and Lily have been great this year," explained Amor.  "The overall chemistry this year has been different and that is a credit to those two. "The girls had another game where they got it done together and it felt like both sides of the floor were clicking." LaVille (10-11) will meet Wheeler (11-11) at the 2A North Judson-San Pierre Sectional Friday, February 2. Tip is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET. The second semifinal pits Career Academy South Bend (1-14) against the host Blue Jays (13-10) immediately following. LAVILLE 45, CULVER 23 At Cox Gym, Lakeville, IN. Score By Quarters Culver Community 6 12 18 23 LaVille 16 24 35 45 Culver Community - Grace Sieber 9, Giselle Villegas 0, Madlin Hamilton 3, Haley Parker 0, Brianna Schlemmer 1, Brooke Davis 6, Eliana Andrejewski 0, Ivon Torres Escobar 0, Alyvia Williams 4. Totals: 7 7-15 23 LaVille - Lily Smith 8, Mackena Deason 4, Ava Weil 11, Brooke Edison 3, Mikalah Kuskye 4, Madi Singleton 0, Denni Markin 2, London Kwiatkowski 8, Faith Mejer 0, Jasmine Foster 5. Totals: 16 9-17 45 3-point field goals: Culver Community 2 (Sieber, Hamilton), LaVille 4 (Smith 2, Kuskye, Kwiatkowski).  JV score: Culver Community 28 (Haley Parker 18), LaVille 26 (Faith Mejer 15) 2023-24 FINAL HOOSIER NORTH STANDINGS Girls Basketball Caston 7-0 North Judson 5-2 Triton 4-3 Knox 4-3 LaVille 3-4 Winamac 3-4 Culver 1-6 Pioneer 1-6