| 02/26/2013 |
| Raiders open postseason play with 81-46 victory |
| By LARRY LEEDS, Sports Editor |
The fourth-seeded Oldham-Ramona-Rutland Raiders rolled past Dell Rapids St. Mary 81-46 in the first round of the boys' District 4B Tournament on Monday night at Ramona.
Luke Menor got the Raiders off to a fast start when he nailed a three-pointer to begin the game, but St. Mary stayed close in the early going. The Raiders began to pull away with 4:18 left in the first quarter. Ryan Schlisner completed a three-point play to give the Raiders a 16-9 lead, and moments late Mitch Malcomb connected on a three-point field goal to give O-R-R a 19-9 lead. O-R-R held a 26-14 lead after one period. "We were able to get a great start and controlled the tempo of all game," said Raiders Coach Larry Malcomb. "They made one run in the middle of the second quarter, but we finished strong right before halftime and I think it took the wind out of them." St. Mary did get as close as nine points, 35-26, with just over two minutes left in the first half. In the last two minutes of the half, O-R-R outscored the Cardinals 10-2 and held a 45-27 halftime lead. The Raiders opened the second half with an 8-0 run and held a 53-27 lead before Dell St. Mary scored in the half. O-R-R held a 68-43 lead after three quarters. "We had a lot of guys contribute, and that is what it takes to win the big games," Malcomb said. The Raiders made 31 of 73 field goals, 42 percent, and cashed in on 12 of 16 free throws, 75 percent. The Cardinals made 17 of 51 field goals, 33 percent, and hit 6-of-14 free throws, 42 percent. Schlisner ended the game with 16 points to pace the winners; he also snared a team-high seven rebounds. Mike Minor and Josh Thurow each had 12 points for the Raiders. Menor finished the game with 11 points and Mitch Malcomb chipped in the 10 counters. Malcomb had nine assists and four steals while Menor dished out four assists. Mitch Roemen scored 12 points for the Cardinals and Ethan Schmidt added 10 counters. O-R-R (10-10) will face Howard in the semifinals of District 4B on Tuesday (tonight) at Howard at 7 p.m. "Our kids really worked hard on defense and really shot the ball well," Malcomb said. "We have to have the same desire against Howard, and hopefully we can shoot the ball well."
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