January 11, 2005 @ 9:53 pm
The Pierce Men's Basketball team made their best showing in the twelve year history of the NWAACC Coaches Poll, when the results of the first poll of the 2004-2005 season were released last Thursday. By virtue of their 9-3 pre-season record and their second ever Crossover Tournament championship, the Raiders were ranked 3rd in the conference by the NWAACC Coaches. In his second year leading the program, Coach Bill Mendelson has assembled a quality group of young men who possess excellent team basketball skills and a passion to achieve success. Led by sophomore returners Clem Benton, Devon Connor-Green, Trivone Curry, and Jacob Mitchell, the Raiders have plans to do what no Pierce team has done since the 1991 season — qualify for the NWAACC Conference Championship Tournament in March.
Sport(s):
January 5, 2005 @ 3:26 pm
The Raider Men opened Western Division play on Monday night with a decisive victory on the road against the Trailblazers of Centralia Community College. Coach Bill Mendelson's Raiders (1-0, 10-3) put together two solid halves of play, at both ends of the floor, to post the 98-69 win. Pierce had a very well balanced attack on the offensive end, with four players scoring in double figures, and as a team shot 52% from the field. Devon Connor-Green led all scorers with 20 points (10 of 13 from the field) and a game high 10 rebounds, followed by an equally impressive performance from Jacob Mitchell who chipped in 18 points (9 of 10 from the field) and grabbed 9 rebounds. Clem Benton added 16 points, dished out 7 assists, and picked off 3 steals, while leading the Raiders harrassing pressure defense. Center Joe Widmann tossed in 12 points and snagged 6 rebounds. David Howard and Anthony Tennyson each scored 9 points for Pierce. The Raiders dominated the boards, outrebounding Centralia 50-39.
Pierce returns home to host Grays Harbor on Wednesday, January 5, at the Lakewood Community Center. Tip off is at 8:00 p.m. You can listen to the game on KLAY1180AM, the Home of Raider Basketball.
Sport(s):
January 5, 2005 @ 3:25 pm
The Raider Women opened the 2005 campaign on the road against the highly favored Trailblazers from Centralia Community College (11-1, preseason record), and lost 79-53. The Raiders (0-1, 0-11) had four players score in double figures, led by sophomore Corinne Berlen's 15 points. Shayla Reynolds added 13 points, and Tia Nofoa had a solid all around game with 12 points and 11 rebounds. The Raiders, trailing by 17 points at halftime used solid pressure defense and good offensive execution to cut the 'Blazers lead to 12 midway through the second half. Centralia used the depth of their bench to wear down Pierce in final ten minutes and pull away for the victory. Centralia's Jen Solberg led all scorers with 24 points.
The Raiders return home on Wednesday, January 5, when they host the Chokers from Grays Harbor Community College. Game time is at 6:00 p.m., at the Lakewood Community Center. If you can't make it to the game, you catch all of the action on KLAY1180AM, the Home of Raider Basketball.
Sport(s):
January 5, 2005 @ 3:22 pm
The Raider Men (8-3) used their trademark stifling defensive pressure in the second half of the tournament title game to defeat the host Whatcom Orcas, 69-52. The Raiders were led by the 22 points of tournament all-star selection Devon Connor-Green. Jacob Mitchell had a solid game, tossing in 16 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, while David Howard had 12 points and also picked off 10 boards. Pierce outrebounded Whatcom 41-28, and held the Orcas to just 24% from the field in the second half (5-21), to overcome a 32-29 halftime deficit on the way to the programs second Crossover Championship in four years. Clem Benton was also named to the tournament's all-star team.
Pierce closes out their pre-season schedule on December 28, when they play host to the Washington Athletic Club All-Stars. Game time is at 8:00 p.m.
Sport(s):
January 5, 2005 @ 3:21 pm
The Raider Women (0-10) dropped a tough 66-31 decision to the visiting Panthers of Portland Community College, to close out their pre-season schedule without a victory. The Raiders, under first year head coach Ann Bowen, suited only five players for the pre-season finale, and trailed from the opening tip. The Panthers used the strength of their bench to wear the Raiders down early and pull away for the easy victory. Pierce was led by Corinne Berlen's 11 points, followed by Tia Nofoa who chipped in 8 points and led all players with 14 rebounds.
The Raiders open their league schedule on the road against Centralia Community College on January 3. Game time is at 6:00 p.m.
Sport(s):
