Lady Raiders to meet Colfax at regionals Friday

The Lady Raiders took second in the District 6 playoffs, and are moving onto the regional round of the state tournament on Friday in Spokane.

The Ladies lost to Okanogan 52-44 in the District 6 championship Feb. 18.

Aaliyah Marchand led the Ladies in scoring with three baskets from the three-point line, plus a free-throw shot, for a total of 10 points.

The Lady Raiders out-rebounded Okanogan 38-29 but that was not enough to secure a win for LR, with Okanogan winning by eight points, 52-44.

"As a team we are disappointed we didn't win," Assistant Coach Matthew Pleasants said, "but having a young backcourt, when it comes to postseason experience, it showed. Playing against a team that is seasoned and played with composure, it really showed as we had 29 turnovers, which was a season-high for us. To be within striking distance of winning the game with that many turnovers really says alot about the talent we have."

"Zalissa [Finley] was really a defense anchor for us and pulled down 18 rebounds, a season high for us," Pleasants said. "Aaliyah, Carly [Neddo], and Almeta [Desautel] played well, which helped provide momentum for us to be in the game. It was one of those games where the only way you improve is going through the growing pains of the young backcourt. Now we lick our wounds, improve, and get ready for state, our first appearance in the Spokane Arena in 11 years."

The loss placed the Lady Raiders second in the district, and sends them to play Colfax High School on neutral ground at University High School in Spokane Valley Feb. 25 at 8 p.m.

A win there would mean they play March 3 in the state tournament, while a loss would mean they play March 2.