Raider roundup

LR basketball starts with promise

Lake Roosevelt's basketball season is already building steam after taking the Devils to school in the Raider gym Monday night, with the LR girls beating Wilson Creek 63-15 and the Raider boys winning 79-20.

Tuesday night's contests against Davenport were less easy lessons, with the Lady Raiders getting schooled 54-22, and the boys winning by only 19 points instead of 59.

The games gave clues on promising upcoming seasons, though. Jeremy Crollard, the Lady Raiders new head coach, at one point against Wilson Creek, a 1B school, had only eighth graders on the floor.

"Our returning players have improved immensely during the off season, which gives us high hopes for a deep run again," said head Raider boys' coach Ed Wolfe, who took the team to state last winter. He noted Ivan Alejandre "has stepped into that leadership role just as we needed him to" and likes the "very disciplined" defense and momentum carried over from last year's team.

Wolfe noted the importance of good coaching help, with Derek Atkins at JV, and Chance Garvin bringing new defensive strategies. He said assistant Garrett Carlson is keeping him organized with practice plans. And both Carlson and Garvin have coaching experience that also helps.

Monday's and Tuesday's games were all non-league contests.

The Raiders head to Wenatchee Valley College on Friday to play Hoquiam at 6 p.m., then face DeSales at noon on Saturday.

The Lady Raiders head to Pateros for 6 p.m. game Dec. 10, then host Liberty Bell on Friday, Dec. 13, at 6 p.m.

Wrestling

Raider wrestlers head to Winthrop Thursday to take on opponents from eight schools, starting at 5 p.m.

They'll go to Omak Saturday, Dec. 7 for The Pit Tournament with several schools. That starts at 10 a.m.