The Blue Devils responded with a 21-8 first quarter and were never threatened in a 73-50 victory over Lakewood in Licking County League action at Weinland Memorial Gymnasium.

The Lancers were coming off a win over Newark Catholic last Friday, but Zanesville made it five straight victories, improving to 6-11 with Licking Heights visiting on Friday.

It's the Blue Devils' first five-game winning streak since the 2017-2018 season.

"I told our guys we didn't want to give them any hope," Harris said. "Our focus has been there, and you can tell these guys are sensing greatness. The trust is growing, and these guys are having fun."

Rebounding was critical in the first stanza. Maddox Hayes had six of his 10 points in the opening eight minutes, as all three baskets came off offensive rebounds. Mikey Johnson chipped in five of his team-high 16 points, while Xavier Riley and Rashaad Hampton had four points apiece in the quarter.

Zanesville owned a 9-3 edge on the boards through one and 14-8 at the half. Lakewood coach Dan Shackleford noted the glass allowed the Blue Devils to take control quickly.

"They crashed the boards and took advantage of their second-chance opportunities," he said. "Our group has been able to bounce back. They're resilient, and we have to continue to compete and get better."

The Blue Devils scored 10 of the game's first 13 points. Hayes opened the scoring with a outback, while Riley followed with a 3 then split a pair of free throws after Lakewood's Colton Ferry made a 3.

Johnson followed with a short jumper, and a steal led to a Hampton runout for a 10-3 advantage.

Another Ferry hoop for the Lancers cut the deficit to five, but they were scoreless on their next five possessions.