Lake Highlands cruises past Berkner in 77-41 win

Wildcats senior guard Syncere Anderson leads the way with 18 points and strong defense

Jan. 31, 2026 at 4:07pm

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The Lake Highlands Wildcats went on the road and dominated the Berkner Rams, winning 77-41 on Saturday. Senior guard Syncere Anderson set the tone early with his defense, getting multiple steals and layups to help the Wildcats build a big first-quarter lead. Lake Highlands cruised the rest of the way, getting contributions from several players including Uyiosa Osawemwenze and Quincy Perkins.

Why it matters

The win keeps Lake Highlands in the hunt for the District 7-6A title, as they improved to 16-9 overall and 8-1 in district play. Berkner, meanwhile, dropped to 7-20 on the season and 4-5 in district. This was an important bounce-back game for the Wildcats after their matchup against Jesuit was delayed earlier in the week due to winter storms.

The details

Lake Highlands came out with energy and intensity, forcing multiple Berkner turnovers in the first quarter that led to easy transition baskets. Anderson scored 10 of his game-high 18 points in the opening period as the Wildcats built a 23-9 lead. Lake Highlands maintained control throughout, getting contributions from Osawemwenze, Perkins, and others. The Wildcats' defense was stifling, holding Berkner to just 41 points on the night.

  • The game was originally scheduled for Friday but was moved to Saturday due to winter storms earlier in the week.
  • Lake Highlands defeated Jesuit 64-43 on Thursday before taking on Berkner on Saturday.

The players

Syncere Anderson

A senior guard for Lake Highlands who set the tone early with his defense, scoring 18 points and forcing multiple turnovers.

Uyiosa Osawemwenze

A Lake Highlands player who used his size to create advantageous positions inside, finishing with 14 points.

Quincy Perkins

A Lake Highlands player who hit a pair of 3-pointers in the third quarter, finishing with 9 points.

Jason Jackson

A Berkner player who had the Rams' highlight play of the game with a thunderous one-handed slam in transition.

Ali Amanullah

A Berkner guard who scored 11 points, including three 3-pointers, and helped set up his teammates.

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What they’re saying

“(Anderson) played like a senior leader, for sure. Defensively, he set the tone early, getting deflections, getting steals (and) getting easy baskets in transition.”

— Joe Duffield, Lake Highlands coach

“He's getting better with every game. He's a great physical presence, definitely a mismatch for a lot of teams in district. I thought he did a great job, both finishing and rebounding, today.”

— Joe Duffield, Lake Highlands coach

What’s next

Lake Highlands will return home to face Irving Nimitz on Tuesday, while Berkner will travel to take on Irving.

The takeaway

This dominant win on the road keeps Lake Highlands in the hunt for the district title, as they continue to get strong contributions from their veteran leaders like Syncere Anderson. Meanwhile, Berkner will look to regroup as they try to climb the standings in the second half of district play.