PIQUA — Riverside’s basketball team could not get into a rhythm here Wednesday night against Russia and the result was a 50-48 loss in a Division IV sectional semifinal contest.

From the start, the fourth-seeded Raiders (13-8) jumped on top of the Pirates (11-10).

Riverside’s Kyle Hurley puts up a shot against a Russia defender during the second half of their Division IV tournament game Wednesday at Piqua High School. EXAMINER STAFF | AARON LaBATT

Russia jumped ahead 19-10 at the end of the first quarter. Dennis Linson carried Riverside in the opening period, scoring eight of his 13 points on the night.

From that point on, Riverside was playing catchup. The Raiders outscored the Pirates 14-7 in the second stanza to extend their lead to 33-17 at halftime.

The third quarter saw Russia continue to pull away as it led by as many as 24 points.

Riverside made up some ground by outscoring the Raiders 15-11 in the final quarter, but it was not enough.

“We had a good season,” said Millice as he reflected on this year’s campaign. “We played a little tougher schedule than we’re used to. Our problem was we just couldn’t finish in those close games and didn’t play as strong as we could have.

“After the game I just told the guys that sometimes life doesn’t go the way you want it to. We tried to keep a positive perspective on the season. They worked hard and gave it all they had.”

Millice was also quick to credit his five departing seniors and their importance to the program.

“The seniors were a big deal to this team,” said Millice. “Every one of them had a role on this team. I couldn’t ask for a better group of kids.”

Dennis Linson led RHS in his final game with 13 points, while Dean McFarland tallied seven points and Jacob Hurley added six points.

Russia advances to face Ft. Loramie on Saturday in the sectional championship at 7 p.m.

RUSSIA 58, RIVERSIDE 40

RIVERSIDE (11-10) Linson 6 1-3 13; Snapp 0 2-2 2; Clark 2 0-0 4; J. Hurley 3 0-0 6; Baughman 2 0-1 4; McFarland 3 0-0 7; K. Hurley 1 0-0 3; Egbert 0 1-2 1. Totals: 17 4-8 40.
RUSSIA (13-8) Knight 6 5-8 17; Queener 6 0-0 12; Lachat 1 0-0 2; Goubeaua 2 0- 0 4; Francis 4 0-2 8; McEldonney 0 2-2 2; Toller 0 3-4 3; Wilson 5 0-0 10. Totals: 24 10-16 58.

Pirates 10 7 8 15 — 40
Raiders 19 14 14 11 — 58

Three pointers: Riverside 2 (McFarland, K. Hurley).
Rebounds: Riverside 27 (K. Baughman 7).
Assists: Riverside 7 (Whitehead 3).
Steals: Riverside 10 (Snapp 8).
Turnovers: Riverside 18.
Team fouls: Riverside 17; Russia 12.