Central Lakes College Raiders Dominate Hibbing Cardinals with 109-78 Win

The Central Lakes College Raiders bounced back from a tough loss with a convincing 109-78 win over the Hibbing Cardinals on Wednesday, February 7th. DeWayne Givens led the charge with an impressive performance, contributing 17 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists.

The Raiders dominated on both ends of the court, shooting 55% from the field while holding the Cardinals to just 34% shooting. Their stifling defense was key to their success, as they outscored Hibbing 29-2 to start the second half. Head coach Jim Russell praised the team’s defensive efforts, stating that their strong start to the second half was the best they had played all season.

Backup point guard Jakobe Jones also had a standout game, recording six points, six rebounds, eight assists, and three steals in just 17 minutes of play. Russell commended both Givens and Jones for their contributions, highlighting Givens’ ability to control the game and Jones’ impressive all-around performance.

Quamar Gresham, the team’s leading scorer, started the game on the bench but made a significant impact when he entered the game. He scored 13 points in the first half and finished with a team-leading 26 points. Jaiquavious Ackey also made his presence known, scoring 14 points and throwing down three thunderous dunks.

The Raiders’ pressure defense played a pivotal role in their early burst, leading to easy scoring opportunities. Givens acknowledged that their halfcourt offense may not be their strong suit, but their ability to create offense from defense is what sets them apart. The team shot 9-25 from behind the arc, with Gresham and Makeith Deng each hitting multiple three-pointers.

While the Raiders showcased their shooting skills, Russell emphasized the importance of balance and cautioned against relying too heavily on the three-point shot. He praised the team for coming together in the face of adversity, noting that they are currently working through some challenges as a team.

With the win, the Raiders improved their division record to 6-2 and their overall record to 14-10. The team will look to carry their momentum into their next game against Gogebic on Saturday, February 10th, at 3 p.m.