The Prior Lake boys basketball rolled to its seventh straight win Jan. 8, but coach Bob Schweim believes his squad can play better.

Junior Dawson Garcia scored 22 points to lead the No. 2-ranked Lakers to a 74-61 South Suburban Conference victory at Farmington. Prior Lake improved to 7-1 overall (3-0 in the SSC).

"We would prefer not to win games and just hold the course," Schweim said. "In our minds as a staff, this is the time of year where we need to start getting better in our victories and challenge the team to get more proficient preparing for next game.

"We have some big games coming up, and if we want to get to the next level, it needs to start happening now," Schweim added. "Focus, leadership and faster starts, that's what we'll get after in practice. This team is incredibly talented, and it's gonna be scary if we start clicking on all cylinders."

Prior Lake is back on the league court Jan 11 to take on Eagan and is at New Prague today in non-conference play. Both contests start at 7 p.m.

The Lakers are home to Eastview Jan. 15 and at Burnsville Jan. 18. Prior Lake is also home to No. 7 Lakeville North in a big game Jan. 22. All three SSC  games start at 7 p.m.

Meanwhile, in beating Farmington, Prior Lake led 34-29 at the break and never looked back. Seniors Sam Nissen, Robert Jones and Carson Schoeller were also in double figures for the Lakers with 17, 14 and 10 points, respectively. Senior Colin O'Connor chipped in six points.

Garcia is averaging 29.2 points for Prior Lake through eight games. He's had two 30-point games and one where he scored a career-high 40.

The Lakers' only loss is 66-64 to No. 3 Park Center back in the season opener on Dec. 1.