It’s been over a decade since Wagner and Lennox have matched up in girls basketball action, with the last meeting between the two teams being in 2013. It was a slugfest the first half. Wagner would score the first basket and the game would be tied 4-4 mid-way through the first quarter. Wagner would hold a 8-6 advantage after one. Wagner’s defense would continue to stifle the Orioles holding them to just 4 points in the second and taking a 20-10 lead into the half. Wagner’s defense would continue to shut down Lennox allowing 6 points in the third quarter. Wagner would force Lennox to go into over a 12 minute scoring drought in the middle quarters. The Raiders would hold a commanding lead 35-16 after three quarters. Lennox wouldn’t quit as fatigue plagued the Raiders. Lennox would out score Wagner 23-12 in the 4th as Wagner would hold on for the 47-39 victory. Wagner would shoot 18-33 from the floor for 55 percent while Lennox would go 16-55 for 29%. Wagner would dominate the glass with 33 boards compared to 20 from Lennox. Wagner turned over the ball 20 times, compared to just 12 from the Orioles. Hayden Fischer would lead all scorers with 12 points and 2 boards. Ashlyn Koupal would finish with a double-double with 10 points, 22 boards, 4 assists, 3 blocks, and 2 steals. Lydia Yost would add another 9 points, a team high 5 assists, and 3 boards. Ravyn Medricky would also net 9 points, grab 3 boards, and get 2 steals. Braxton Nedved would chip in 6 points, while dishing out 4 assists, and getting 2 steals. Mateya Bruguier would finish the scoring with a point.

“This was a big win for us. Lennox now has three losses, coming from the #2, #4 and then another top 8 team in our class. They were very athletic coming in and love to take the rock to the rim or kick and shoot threes. We did a great job in our match up zone and limited just about everything they tried to do offensively in the half court the entire game. The 4th quarter we didn’t do a very good job of handling their press and that led to transitional situations for them in which they thrive on. We have to do a better job closing out the game. The girls responded well again with some adversity throughout the game so that is always a plus and will be needed as the season goes on. We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Lady Raiders!”

The JV was defeated for the first time this season with a 18-57 defeat to a very good Lennox team. Braelyn Scott led the Raiders with 10 points. Olivia Podzimek finished with 4 points, Clarah Soukup 3 and Ty’Shay Medicine Bear rounded out the scoring with 1 point.