Big Third Quarter Propels Lady Raiders

The Sidney Lady Raiders used a dominant third quarter to pull away from the Gering Bulldogs, earning a 50-33 victory Saturday at the Cabela’s Athletic Facility.

Kierra Schrader helped Sidney set the tone early, scoring five of her 10 points in the first quarter as the Lady Raiders took an 8-4 lead. Six different players scored in the second period, pushing Sidney’s advantage to 22-16 heading into intermission.

Sidney broke the game open in the third. Schrader and Callie Bondegard each knocked down a three-pointer during a 15-point outburst, while the defense clamped down and held Gering to just five points. The surge lifted the Lady Raiders to a commanding 37-21 lead, and they never looked back.

Three Lady Raiders finished in double figures, led by Laramey Misegadis with 12 points. Kierra Schrader and Reagan Nesbitt each contributed 10. Gering was led by Kamry Lopez and Jacey Cochran with seven points apiece.

Sidney improved to 2-0, while Gering dropped to 1-1.

Red Raiders Battle Tough in Loss to Gering

Despite being short-handed, the Sidney Red Raiders battled throughout but ultimately fell 60-51 to the Gering Bulldogs Friday night at the Cabela’s Athletic Facility.

Sidney came out strong with a 6-0 run and held the lead until the Bulldogs tied the game at 10-10 late in the first quarter. Gering closed the period on a 9-0 run to take a 17-10 lead.

The Bulldogs extended their lead to 24-14 midway through the second, but Sidney responded. A three-pointer by Campbell Shoemaker pulled the Red Raiders within 24-22 with under two minutes left. Gering regained momentum before halftime, taking a 30-23 advantage into the locker room.

Sidney again closed the gap early in the third, trimming the deficit to 34-30. But Gering answered with their largest lead of the night, 44-33, before the Red Raiders chipped back to trail 46-38 entering the fourth.

Sidney made several pushes in the final period, cutting the lead to four multiple times. The last came with three minutes remaining on Kash Knobbe’s third three-pointer, making it 52-48. But Gering sealed the win at the line, hitting nine of 14 free throws in the fourth quarter.

Knobbe led Sidney with 17 points. Kyle Jaggers scored 13, and Kale Kaiser posted a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double. Sidney falls to 0-2, while Gering moves to 2-0. Gering was led by Gage Ruzicka with 23 points and Ryland Ray with 21.

The Red Raiders and Lady Raiders return to action next Friday when they host Chase County. Junior varsity games begin at 4 p.m., with the girls varsity tipping off at 5:30 and the boys varsity at 7 p.m.