CANFIELD OH- East Palestine came in to Saturday’s sectional final against South Range high off their win over Waterloo on Wednesday night. The Raiders made a fast start an emphasis all week. To describe their start to this game as fast would be an understatement. They used an explosive first quarter to roll past the Bulldogs 55-34.

The Raiders started the game on a 23-0 run using their press defense to stifle East Palestine’s offense. The end of the quarter showed a 25-1 Raider advantage. Izzy Lamparty proved to be a huge matchup issue for Palestine, especially in the first quarter. Trying to break a press with her in the middle proved near impossible.

The Bulldogs seemed to calm down after being punched with that first quarter outburst. They scored 11 in the second, thanks to a couple good plays by Morgan Rutledge on defense leading to quick buckets, and a good drive and scoop from Payton Sherry. Paige Snyder also had a strong frame. The Raiders added 18 more points to close the half with a 43-12 lead.

The Bulldogs never quit fighting as the game went on and showed great resiliency facing a big deficit. They held the Raiders to just twelve second half points.

Izzy Lamparty led the Raiders with 19 points, and 7 rebounds. Lexi Giles also had a strong day with 18 points. Gabby Lamparty notched a season-High 7 assists.

Paige Snyder and Joclyn Fristik both paced the Bulldogs with 10 points.

South Range advances to play Columbiana in the district semifinals Wednesday at Struthers. The tip is set for 6:00.