LOCKPORT _ Hard work-regardless of how much experience they have-has always been the hallmark of Lockport Lions basketball

Nothing has changed.

As the Lions hit the holiday break with a 2-1 record in the Niagara Frontier League, 3-2 overall, coach Dave Gilson said win or lose he has been extremely happy with his teams effort and the way they have supported each other.

“They’re a good group,” he said.

“They work hard and enjoy being together.”

Leading the way for the Lions this season have been core returnees Moziah Townsend, Colin Dougherty and Ryan Lawrence.

Dougherty is the Lions hard nosed point guard who makes the offense flow. While Townsend is the key man in the paint.

Somewhat undersized as a team, the Lions will have to rely on hard work and natural athleticism-that’s where Townsend comes in. At 5-foot-10 on most nights Townsend will find himself in a battle against people like Kenmore West’s 6-foot-7 Quinton Campbell.

But Townsend not only stands his ground, he serves as an inside threat of his own for Lockport.

“He just out works everyone,” Gilson said. “He works so hard and he doesn’t back down. I love him.”

Junior guard Dan Bronson joins Townsend, Ryan and Dougherty in the starting five as well.

Making a name for himself as the starting QB on varsity football, Bronson will bring that same spark of intensity to the hardwood that will keep the Lions believing they can win any game.

Legacy’s Ryan Guyton and Charlie Sobieraski may be new to the varsity roster, but their last name’s certainly aren’t. Ryan’s older siblings Justin and Marissa both were both standouts for the Lions, as were Charlie’s older sisters, Lea and Emma.

Gilson smiled as he said Charlie and Ryan and both trying to make their own names while doing their family names proud.

Both are expected to see quality minutes during the season.

Senior Sam Volmy is generally the first player off the bench for the Lions.

Gilson said if they continue to grow as a team, limit mistakes and turnovers and just keep working hard they will get better and better.

The Lions topped Grand Island and Niagara-Wheatfield in league play before falling to Kenmore West in the Lions Den on Dec.21.