SIDNEY — Russia put on a clinic of high-level offensive execution against Riverside on Thursday in a Division IV girls tournament sectional opener.
The long and athletic Raiders stifled Riverside’s offense and sliced through the Pirates’ defense for a 61-17 victory at Sidney High School.
Russia, the fourth seed, stormed to a 42-9 lead at halftime over the sixth-seeded Pirates.
“Number one, they forced us into a lot of turnovers and got us down quick,” said Riverside head coach Rod Yoder. “Number two, they shot the ball tremendously well in the first half. At one point I wondered if they were ever going to miss a shot.”
Taking advantage of their size, the aggressive Raiders made it extremely difficult for Riverside to get into its offense.
The Pirates, who committed 22 turnovers in the first half, found themselves in a 20-3 hole after one quarter.
It was more of the same in the second period as Russia’s defensive pressure continued to give Riverside fits.
On the offensive end, Russia used sensational ball movement to create open shot after open shot.
The Raiders continued to extend their lead into the second half, triggering the running clock that sped up the rest of the contest.
Lauryn Sanford led the Pirates with eight points and Allison Knight and Kirstin Schlumbohm each chipped in three points.
Ashley Scott led 10 Russia scorers with 16 points.
It was a tough end to a memorable season for the Pirates, who finish with a record of 14-6. They won a share of the Northwest Central Conference title. It was the program’s first league title since 2010.
“I told the girls after the game that I am sorry the season had to end this way,” said Yoder. “I am extremely proud of their effort all season and I am proud of the way they played really hard for the full 32 minutes tonight regardless of the score. Overall, it was a great season.”
Riverside must say good bye to three seniors: Sanford, Knight and Aradia Roth.
“We are really going to miss our three seniors,” said Yoder. “Lauren, Alli and Aradia will be a big loss. They had great careers for us.”
Russia (12-9) advances to play Lehman Catholic in the sectional semifinal Tuesday.
RUSSIA 61, RIVERSIDE 17
RIVERSIDE (14-6)
Knight 1 0-0 3; Schlumbohm 1 0-0 3; Sanford 2 4-7 8; Roth 0 0-2 0; Perk 0 1-2 1; Copas 0 1-2 1; Saylor 1 0-0 2. Totals: 5 5-12 17.
RUSSIA (12-9)
Mannion 1 2-3 4; Sherman 1 0-0 2; Borchers 4 0-0 9; Hoehne 3 1-1 7; Goubeux 1 1-2 3; Scott 6 2-2 16; Francis 2 0-0 4; Doseck 1 0-0 2; Puthoff 4 4-4 12; Hammonds 1 0-0 2. Totals: 24 10-12 57.
Pirates 3 6 5 3 — 17
Raiders 20 22 15 4 — 61
Three pointers: Riverside 2 (Knight, Schlumbohm); Russia 3 (Borchers, Scott 2). Team fouls: Riverside 6, Russia 10.