The Lady Ravens from Rocky River played their best game of the season when they upset the Independence Lady Patriots in a squeaker at the Ravens Nest. The Patriots had 10 overall wins entering the contest and were 3-2 in conference competition compared to the Ravens 3 overall victories and 2-3 record in their conference.
However, this night on their home court the Lady Ravens would not be denied as they played aggressively and intelligent basketball by doing what they do best. They are a fast paced running team that wants to penetrate the lanes with their quick point guard Andresia Alexander who is an excellent ball handler and assists leader.  She is also very good defensively making 6 steals and beating their opponent during transition. She stirs the pot, a real spark plug for the Ravens and it showed up tonight. A 5’2″ menace on the hard court who has the ability to disrupt the opponents game plan.
Meanwhile, the Patriots Braylyn Milton the talented freshman continued to lead the Lady Patriots by scoring 25 points, dishing out 3 assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks. Brianna McManus 8 points, Ayanna Anderson 8 points and 9 rebounds made significant contributions along with Laura Flynn with 7 rebounds. For the Ravens Alexander had 12 points and 7 assists, Eva Powell 11 points and 9 rebounds, Erial Chambers 10 points and 7 rebounds for the home team.
At the end of the first half Indy seemed to have a comfortable 30-22 lead. In the third period the teams played evenly with Rocky River getting a slight edge outscoring Indy 9-7 ending the third period 37-31 with Indy still holding the lead.
The Patriots could not buy a bucket with several shots going half way in and out of the basket seemingly frustrating the visitors in the fourth period. While the Ravens were scoring quickly off of steals and in transition turning the game to their advantage and gaining momentum. Alexander hit two key 3 point shots and the Lady Ravens outscored their rival 16-9 in the period for the victory.
The Lady Patriots did not do a good job of clock management during the crucial fourth period, and with 6.5 seconds on the scoreboard clock, down one point, they failed to immediately foul a Ravens player to give themselves a chance at pulling off the win when they ran out of time. Coach Lauren Galvani was screaming for the foul, however, there seemed to be some confusion on the court which may have cost the Lady Patriots an opportunity to pull out any last second heroics.
The Lady Patriots are now 10-6 overall, and 3-3 in the conference, while the Lady Ravens are 4-10 overall, and 3-3 in conference competition.
