WALES — Despite a sluggish first half, the Oak Hill Raiders boys’ basketball team broke a 17-17 halftime score, running away in the second half and downing Mt. Abram, 51-37, in MVC basketball action.
Whether it was the recent bitter temperatures or the upcoming holiday break, the Raiders (2-1) shot an abysmal 30 percent in the first half, including 1-for-8 from the three-point arc.
“We played some lazy basketball early on,” Oak Hill Coach Tom Smith said. “We tend to shoot a lot of 3s and we got away from that a little bit. Inside/out first and go from there, and that didn’t happen.”
Trailing 13-8 midway through the second quarter, the Roadrunners (0-4) defensive press began to pay off and a deep 3-point basket from senior Dan Luce pulled the visiting team within two.
After an Oak Hill turnover, Luce found Dawson Bate over the top of the defense to tie the game at 13. Following a made free throw from Luce, Sam Storer sank a 3-point shot giving the Roadrunners a 17-13 lead with 2:02 remaining in the half. A Raider bucket and a pair of converted free throws from Cohen Donnell tied the score going into the half.
“I told them at halftime that we need to come and play and if we keep them in the game, all of our hard work against Lisbon will be for nothing,” Smith said.
Oak Hill defeated Lisbon 59-56 last week at home.
Senior guard Evan Boston took control. Sparked by a pair of his six steals, Oak Hill opened the second half on a 7-0 run while closing out the quarter with a 9-1 advantage, outscoring the Mt. Abram 18-8 in the quarter. Boston ended the night with a game-high 19 points, netting 15 in the second half.
“Evan has really stepped up his leadership for us this season,” Smith said.
Oak Hill finished off Mt. Abram in the fourth quarter. Bailey added 12 of his 16 points in the second half while hauling in seven rebounds and blocking six shots for the Raiders.
“I’m comfortable going ten deep on our bench,” Smith said. “I am pleased with the talent of this year’s team as long as we can put it all together,” he added.
Mt. Abram was led by Storer’s eight points, including a pair of three’s. Senior center Glendon Howard added eight points in the loss.
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