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Lady Raiders to District: ‘We're Comin’ for Ya!’

By Doug Deters Correspondent
Posted 12/12/18

ORANGE PARK - to say the Orange Park lady Raiders had a positive start to their 2018-2019 district home schedule would be an understatement. Another more appropriate word would be spectacular as …

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Lady Raiders to District: ‘We're Comin’ for Ya!’


Posted

ORANGE PARK - to say the Orange Park lady Raiders had a positive start to their 2018-2019 district home schedule would be an understatement. Another more appropriate word would be spectacular as they enjoyed wins of 61 points and 42 points against Baker County and Westside high school respectively.

In the Baker victory, the Raiders came out blazing to say the least as junior sharpshooter Yoly Rosado hit her first four three pointers in the first quarter to give Orange Park an early 18-8 lead. The 10-point spread would be as close as Baker would get before an offensive onslaught and defensive clamp down by the Raiders. They would hold Baker to just 12 points over the final three quarters en route to a dominating 81-20 opening district win.

“It was our first district game and I thought we came out with alot of energy and fire. I was pleased we were able to maintain that level for the entire game” said Lady Raiders head coach Fred Cole.

The Raiders also benefited from balanced scoring with starters Nayeli Williams, Yoly Rosado and Macie Faucett hitting double figures while reserves Sydney Rowland and Shameka Moore also chipped in with over 10 points each.

In their second district game vs. Westside there was a different “vibe” in the building and an extra “pep in the step” of the lady Raiders. Westside is the two time defending district champions and Orange Park was focused on delivering a message that the Raiders will be the team to beat in 2019. The message was sent early and often with the Raiders outscoring Westside in the first quarter 19-4 with a smothering half court defense and pinpoint shooting from the perimeter. On the rare occasion the Raiders missed an open shot; freshman Nia Brown, junior Shamia Capers and senior Dee Dee Harris were close by to grab the offensive rebound for another shot opportunity.

“Coach Cole’s pregame message to us was to play hard and play with composure” said Capers.

The Raiders continued their dominance in the second quarter with a 23-0 run for a commanding 42-4 lead at halftime. The second half saw much of same with the reserves getting some needed game time experience en route to a 69-17 win and a critical 2-0 start to their district schedule. Freshman Nia Brown also played her best game of the season scoring 18 points and shooting a perfect seven straight field goals. Junior Macie Faucett also had 18 points for the Raiders.

Developing chemistry with two new major pieces in freshman Nia Brown and junior transfer Macie Faucett is key to a successful season according to junior sharpshooter Yoly Rosado.

“I thought this was a great week for us not only getting two district wins but we played together as one unit,” said Rosado.

Cole knew this week was important in getting off to a positive start in district play.

“This was a statement game for us against the two time defending champions.”