By Leeann Tanner - Staff Writer
The Raiders are really showing off their skills this season, moving to 15-4 and taking the second seed in the region, under 15-3 Fairview.
Last Tuesday, East’s guys grabbed a nail biter victory over Ashland Blazer, 75-60.
Colt Barnhill once again led his team with a double-double 24 points and 13 rebounds. Despite his impressive moves under the basket, Barnhill proved to be a team leader as he assisted on the basket that may have cost Ashland the game.
The Tomcats cut East’s lead to two in the fourth, but the Raiders didn’t panic. They moved the ball up the floor and around their territory patiently, waiting for the perfect opportunity. Barnhill caught a pass in the post and flipped it out to Kyle Bair on the perimeter. Bair nailed a floater, giving the Raiders the confidence they needed to stay on top.
East Carter shot 53 percent from the field, including a 17-for-29 performance in the first half while taking a 42-32 lead.
Bair finished with 14 points, connecting on all five of his floor shots and 3-of-4 free throws. Caleb Adams had 15 points and the Raiders also got nine points apiece from Dylan Genung and Connor Robinson.
East played host to Boyd County on Friday, grabbing a 52-42 win that can only be called surviving.
After Tuesday emotional high, the Raiders couldn’t find their offensive footing. They suffered in the first half, holding desperately to a five-point lead at the break. The Lions forced nine turnovers and their pressure defense was wearing the Raiders down.
Early in the third quarter, East was able to find their way into a 12-4 run, jumping out to a double-digit lead and never looking back.Barnhill led the team in scoring with 19 points and Bair had 17.
The Raiders played host to 4-11 Morgan County Tuesday (after press time). East took down the Cougars 73-53 in their match up earlier this season. Morgan is 2-3 in their last five games.
East hits the road again Friday to face 7-9 Rowan County. The Vikings are 3-3 on their home court, coming off a 80-73 loss to Breathitt County.
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At press time, East Carter Head Coach Brandon Baker was unavailable for comment.
