The Lakeland Christian Academy boys basketball team storms the court Tuesday night to congratulate Billy Pitts after his 30-footer at the final buzzer lifted the Cougars to a thrilling 50-47 win over Caston in the season opener (Photo provided by Scott Silveus)

WINONA LAKE – Billy Pitts definitely made the season opener one to remember for the Lakeland Christian Academy boys basketball team Tuesday night.

Pitts swished through a game winning, 30-footer at the final horn as the Cougars clipped Caston 50-47 in the season opener for both in Winona Lake.

Pitts took an inbounds pass from Zarek Finley with just one second left on the clock and calmly drained the winner.

“After going 2-19 last year, it was a great win for the Lakeland program and it underscores the solid work we’ve put in over the offseason,” said third-year LCA coach Lee Compson.

The contest was close throughout with Caston leading 12-9 after the opening period and 30-28 at halftime. The host Cougars outscored the Comets 11-7 in the third stanza to take a slim 39-37 lead going into the fourth quarter.

Calvin Prinsen led LCA with 12 points and six rebounds. Chris Maron turned in a strong effort off the bench with 12 points and three assists for the winners.

Jacob Howdeshell poured in 23 points and Quentin Douglass scored 18 for Caston, which finished 16-6 last year. The Comets had just three players score Tuesday night in the loss.

Billy Pitts finished with eight points for the Cougars. Chris Silveus and Zarek Finley each scored five points, Noah Cole four and Logan Pitts and Logan Mount two each for LCA.

LCA (1-0) plays at Jimtown Nov. 27.