The Hamlin Chargers used a huge second half to down the Oldham-Ramona-Rutland Raiders 62-33 in the Swiftel Classic at Brookings on Thursday.
Hamlin enjoyed a three-point halftime advantage, 22-19. Behind the play of E.J. Drake, the Chargers broke open the game in the third period, outscoring the Raiders 22-9. Drake tossed in 11 third-quarter points.
"We played pretty good defense in the first half, but we completely broke down in the second half," said Oldham-Ramona-Rutland Coach Larry Malcomb.
The Raiders made 10 of 44 field goals, 22 percent, and hit 13 of 30 free throws, 43 percent. Hamlin made 22 of 61 field goals, 36 percent, and drained 12 of 23 free throws, 52 percent.
Hamlin held a huge advantage on the boards 58-34. The Chargers had 25 offensive rebounds.
"Hamlin was able to get too many second-chance baskets," Malcomb said. "We knew the only way we could stay in the game was to control the boards, but that didn't happen."
Ryan Schlisner scored 14 points and pulled down 15 rebounds to pace the Raiders. Dustin Riedel, Justin Tolley and Cole Brown each tossed in four points for O-R-R.
"When you shoot 22 percent from the floor, you will not be able to compete," Malcomb said. "We will get better because this team has the talent. We will keep improving from here on out."
Drake ended the game with 18 points to lead all scorers and added 11 rebounds. Mason Leiseth added 15 points and snared a team-high 12 rebounds. Dustin Quiram chipped in with 10 counters and Brody Grantham pulled down 10 rebounds.
O-R-R will swing back into action Saturday in the Entringer Classic at Brookings High School. The Raiders will face DeSmet in the 2:45 p.m. game in the Auxilliary Gym.
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