S

On Tuesday night, the Lady Raiders won by over 40 points for a second straight game while the Red Raiders avenged an earlier loss to Columbia Central.

Once again, the Lady Raiders lit up the scoreboard as 11 players scored in their dominant win over Columbia.

The game started out well for the Lady Raiders, who outscored the Lady Lions 19-10 in the first quarter.

However, the Lady Raiders caught fire in the second quarter with a 17-2 run before outscoring Columbia 20-8 for a 39-18 halftime lead.

Coffee continued to put up points in the third, outscoring Columbia 24-9 on the strength of Olivia Vinson’s 13 third quarter points for a 63-27 lead heading into the fourth. 

The bench unit for the Lady Raiders would get lots of playing time in the fourth quarter, and the Lady Raiders went on to win, 74-33.

“Last time we played them I think we were tied with four minutes left,” said Coach Joe Pat Cope. “Tonight I thought we played a well rounded game. Our bench players played some good minutes and I think Audri Patton played the most complete game of her career. She was all over the place on both sides of the ball tonight and the minutes that her, Ella and Jaydee have played this season while Channah was gone have been invaluable. The more this bench unit gets to play, the more confident they get.”

Scoring for the Lady Raiders were Olivia Vinson with 23 points, Natalie Barnes with 15 points, Channah Gannon with eight points, Jules Ferrell and Morgan Spears with six points each, Audri Patton with four points, Ava McIntosh with three points, Ella Arnold, Jaydee Nogodula and Andon Selvog with two points each and Lilly Matherne with one point.

The Lady Raiders are now 21-3 and are still perfect in district play with a 5-0 record.

Meanwhile, the Red Raiders were looking to avenge a 63-53 loss to Columbia on Jan. 12.

The Red Raiders would edge ahead in the first quarter, outscoring the Lions 13-9.

Coffee would add to their lead in the second, outscoring Columbia 14-8 to lead at halftime, 27-17.

Both teams scored 15 points in the third, and the Red Raiders maintained a 10 point lead heading into the fourth, where they would run away with the win, 58-44

“From start to finish, that was the best effort we’ve had all year,” said Coach Andrew Taylor. “These guys are right about where they should be. At the beginning of the year there was a lot of moving pieces and guys with new roles, so it was a process, but these guys have had a great attitude, they’ve worked extremely hard, learned from their mistakes, took some lumps early, and if they continue to correct the little things, they’ll be ready.”

Scoring for the Red Raiders were Jackson Shemwell with 20 points, Cooper Reed with 10 points, Jayden Carter with nine points, Brady Wright with six points, Camden Hunt with five points and Cayden Trail and Courtland Farrar with four points each.

The Red Raiders improved to 13-10 overall and are 4-1 in district play.

Coffee County basketball continues with a Friday night tilt at Warren County on Feb. 2.