(Longview, WA) The Lower Columbia Red Devils secured an 80-42 victory over the Pierce Raiders at Myklebust Gymnasium, putting on a display of balanced offense and stifling defense. Lower Columbia improved to 15-3 on the season with the win, dominating from start to finish.
The Red Devils shot an impressive 50.8% from the field (31-61) and a scorching 48.3% from beyond the arc (14-29). Their ball movement was effective, resulting in 18 assists, while their defense was formidable, tallying 10 blocks and 9 steals. They also out-rebounded Pierce 41-30, with 32 of those being defensive boards.
Kap Laila led the Red Devils with 14 points on 6-10 shooting, including two three-pointers, and added 4 rebounds and 2 blocks.
Malik Brown chipped in 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals, while David Young contributed 11 points, 5 rebounds, and a team-high 5 steals.
Amir Locus provided a spark off the bench with 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks, and Camryn Berry was instrumental defensively with 3 blocks and 6 rebounds.
For the Raiders, Mande Wanlemvo stood out with a game-high 15 points and 7 rebounds, shooting 7-16 from the field. However, Pierce struggled as a team, shooting just 25.8% overall and 16.7% from three-point range. Turnovers plagued the Raiders, as they committed 20 giveaways, which Lower Columbia converted into 19 points.
The Red Devils' bench was also a key factor, contributing 32 points to the win. Their largest lead of the game came in the closing seconds, a testament to their relentless effort on both ends of the floor.Â
No time to rest for the Devils has they now prepare for their next match on Saturday, January 18 in Olympia, WA, vs the South Puget Sound Clippers (14-4/3-0). Tip is set for 3:00 pm at South Puget Sound Communiyt College. Â
