Just as the rest of Raider Nation got back to work this week after the Thanksgiving holiday, our Raiders continued preparing for their first region games this Tuesday. Both the girls and boys were on the road this past week, bringing the boys’ record to 7-1 and the girls to 2-6.
The boys are off to their best start since the 2013 season, when the Raiders opened the year 13-0. The hot start junior Luka Avaliani has much to do with this opening success. Avaliani is averaging just under 20 points per game this year, with most of his baskets coming when the team needs them most. Luka averages 11.2 points in the second half of games this year, including 6.6 in the fourth quarter and overtime. Against Hillgrove on Saturday, Avaliani was able to go from one end of the court to the other and make a layup at the buzzer which sent the Raiders to overtime, where they won 43-40. Senior David Sickles has also played well this year, leading the team in three pointers made. David was able to torch the Kennesaw Mountain Mustangs, scoring 9 points in the fourth quarter and icing the game at the foul line. The final score against the Mustangs was 59-55. David has come out of the gate this season with intensity in his senior season. Sickles explains, “Everyone is looking at me now and expects me to be a key player on the team.” Junior Carson Adler leads the Raiders in three-point percentage. Adler has proven that he is not only a shooter, however, and has been pushing the tempo on fast breaks this season. Adler is now averaging 8.3 points per game.
The Raiders stay on the road Tuesday as they take on Etowah. On Friday and Saturday, the Raiders will be back in the Pit so be there to show your support!