Raiders win league openers

Published 2:19 pm Tuesday, January 9, 2024

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PCA Athletics

On Friday PCA teams returned to action after a two week break for Christmas with Tar Heel Independent Conference openers at Albemarle School in Elizabeth City.

The Lady Raiders jumped out to a 34 – 13 lead at the half and never looked back, defeating the Lady Colts 51 – 41. PCA was dominant in the post, outscoring Albemarle 40 – 14 in the paint. The Lady Raiders also were great on the glass, outrebounding the Colts 63 – 34. The Lady Raiders were led by Allison Sawyer who scored 20 points and grabbed 17 boards. Alden Taylor was the only other play in double figures with 10 points and nine rebounds. Katie Baxter Grabbed 10 rebounds in the win.
PCA is 9-6 and ranked eighth in the NCISAA 1A poll behind league rival Ridgecroft (10-0) of Ahoskie. Sawyer leads the Lady Raiders in scoring and rebounding at 13.1 points and 14.4 rebounds a game. Senior ginny Pugh is second with 9.3 points a game.

In the boys game, the Raiders dominated from the tip with a 94 – 16 victory over the Colts. Drew Van Staalduinen and Maddox Lee led all scorers with 21 and 20 points each. Austin Garrish added 12 points and Luke Rouse scored a career-high 10 points in the win. Braden Armstrong led PCA with nine boards while Lee led the team in assists with six. The Raiders are 13-2 and ranked 11th in the NCISAA 1A poll behind number one Northside Christian of Charlotte.

PCA is back in action on Friday at rival Lawrence Academy in what will be a pivotal game for conference standings