LADY RAIDERS MAKE STATEMENT
The Lady Raiders are among the favorites to win the Struthers district tournament, their opponent today Massillon Tuslaw is widely considered one of the favorites to win the Wooster district. If that plays out these two teams would meet in the regional semifinals. Tuslaw came into the game 11-2, and having a top 20 scorer in the state in Majesta Stales. This was the second top 20 scorer the Raiders would have to defend in as many games.
Right off the tip the Raiders controlled the tempo, Maddie Durkin controlled the opening jump ball and went right to the hoop to get the Raiders on the board quickly. The Raiders opened the game on a 9-1 run in the first 2 and a half minutes of the game. When it seemed Tuslaw was going to settle down and claw back in it, Bri Modic hit her first three of the game put the Raiders up 16-5 with under 2:00 left in the 1st quarter. The Raiders would lead 22-7 after 1 quarter of play.
The 2nd quarter was the frame that the Mustangs seemed like they were poised for a comeback scratching away at the Raiders 15 point lead. Sales rattled off 12 points in just the 2nd quarter to put pressure on the Raiders. The lead was cut to 29-21 with 2:00 to go in the half. While Mustangs had all the momentum, senior Sam Patrone hit a three to calm things down and gave the Raiders a 32-21 lead. It helped the Raiders hold a 33-24 lead at halftime.
The third quarter started just like the first, a furious Raider run lead from perimeter shooting from both Bri Modic and San Patrone. And in just 4:00 the Raiders ballooned to a 48-30 lead. In maybe the best play of the game after turning the ball over Bree Kohler ran down the fast break stole the ball away and threw a full court pass to Bri Modic in the corner for a three that made it a 54-32 Raider lead. The 3rd quarter would end with a 54-34 score.
Most of the 4th quarter was ball control for the Raiders. Coach Matisi called for a very patient offense and that is what he got. Izzy Lamparty completed an old fashioned 3 point play to give the Raiders a 61-40 lead late and the Raiders would go on to win 62-45.
The Raiders had 3 scorers in double figures. Bri Modic lead the way with 15, going 5/9 from three point range. Izzy Lamparty finished with 14 while Sam Patrone added 13. For the Mustangs Sales finished with a game high 21. The Lady Raiders return to action Wednesday hosting Mooney.
