The Rocky River Ravens are now 3-4 on the season and 0-2 in the Southwest 4A Conference during this years early going in a long campaign ahead of them.

The team is a totally different make-up from last season, with the loss of some key talent missing from last seasons final four showing in the 4A state championship tournament.  The Ravens lost in the West Regional Finals just one step from the state championship game.

They are going to struggle scoring points compared with last year’s high scoring offense led by Jaden Springer who averaged 25 points per game.  Springer is the number 1 ranked player in North Carolina in the 2020 graduating class now playing at IMG Academy in Florida.  Also, the loss of three starters due to transfers and graduation.

Their lack of offense showed up again when they faced off against the Mustangs who are 5-4 overall and 2-0 in the conference.  After a competitive first period with both teams ending in a 13-13 stalemate, the Mustangs held the Ravens to just two points in the second period to take a 20-15 lead at the intermission.

In the third period the game remained tight with the Ravens outscoring Myers Park 13-12 with some timely shooting from senior guard Narique Smith and forward Jalen Perry.  However, in the final period the Mustangs took over this contest as they hit their shots and the Ravens went cold for the second time in this defensive battle.

The Ravens shot 26 percent from the field, 19 percent from the three point range which really led to their demise.  The Ravens offensively like to drive to the basket for layups and shoot the three pointers.  When they cannot hit at minimum 40-45% from the three point line this team is in trouble.  Also, the team shot only 50 percent from the free throw line and they need to be at 65-70 percent to stay competitive against good teams.

Narique Smith led the Ravens with 13 points and the team hauled down 29 rebounds compared to the Mustangs 32 on the night.  So their front line under the boards did a good job throughout the basketball game.

The Ravens will play again on January 4th at home when Hickory Ridge visits the Ravens Nest for a 7:00 pm tip-off.