(SALEM, OR — November 17, 2024) The Lower Columbia Red Devils men's basketball team opened their season with a decisive 92-68 win over Chemeketa on Sunday afternoon. A fast start, balanced scoring, and dominance on the boards set the tone for what promises to be an exciting season for the Red Devils.
The Devils wasted no time asserting their dominance, jumping out to a 42-21 halftime lead. The defensive effort was stifling, holding Chemeketa to just 29% shooting in the first half.
Kap Laila, the centerpiece of Lower Columbia's attack, was everywhere on the court. The 6'8" forward notched a double-double by the end of the game, finishing with 19 points, 13 rebounds, and a block to anchor the Red Devils on both ends.
The Red Devils showcased their depth, with contributions pouring in from starters and reserves alike.
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Kalim Brown chipped in with 8 points off the bench, including a clutch three-pointer in the second half.
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Malik Brown, starting at guard, added 9 points and grabbed 5 rebounds, connecting on two three-pointers to keep the offense flowing.
- Bench spark
Camryn Berry delivered 11 points in just 13 minutes, shooting 5-for-8 from the floor.
In total, Lower Columbia's bench accounted for an impressive 45 points, highlighting the team's versatility and depth.
Chemeketa found their rhythm in the second half, scoring 47 points, but the Red Devils had already built an insurmountable lead. Lower Columbia kept the pressure on, controlling the tempo and continuing to dominate the boards. The team finished with a commanding 41 rebounds, compared to Chemeketa's 34, and outscored their opponent 38-20 in the paint.
Keshawn Lewis provided an all-around effort, tallying 9 points, 4 assists, and 2 steals, while
Amir Locus added 7 points and pulled down 9 rebounds.
The win was a statement for Lower Columbia, showcasing not just their skill but also their teamwork and depth. The Red Devils also capitalized on Chemeketa's mistakes, scoring 15 points off turnovers and limiting their own giveaways to just 12.
Devils will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming games. With the team firing on all cylinders, fans can expect a competitive and exciting season ahead.
Red Devils home opener is this Wednesday, November 20th, at 7:00 pm vs the Portland Panthers.
