BOYS BASKETBALL Harding rolls past Rayen, 105-57

The Raiders used a 32-0 run in the first half to blow the game open.
By BOB ROTH
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
YOUNGSTOWN -- Warren Harding High basketball coach Frank Bubba wasn't pleased with his team's offensive effort Friday against Howland, so he wanted it more focused Saturday on the road against the Rayen School.
The Raiders were that and more as they used a 32-0 run from the 5:04 mark of the first quarter to 2:48 of the second on their way to a 105-57 victory.
Seven players scored in Harding's 32-0 run, which shut out the Tigers for 10 minutes, 22 seconds and resulted in a 43-6 lead.
Rayen had 16 of its 27 turnovers by halftime when they trailed 55-18, with the Raiders scoring inside and outside.
In the second quarter, Harding shot 10 of 14 from the floor and finished the game hitting on 37 of 60 shots, with all 11 players who saw action scoring.
Leads the way: Ethan Banks led four double figure scorers with 26 points as he, along with Danny Stella and Mike Phillips, combined for 9 of 14 from 3-point range.
Stella scored 17 points, Phillips 11 and on the inside Prescott Burgess had 14 points and pulled down 10 of his team's 38 rebounds.
"I didn't shoot well last night, but I was definitely more focused tonight and it seems we all were," Banks said.
Bubba said, "We were a little disappointed with our effort Friday and we knew our kids' pride would make us play better. Tonight, we were clicking and when we click we are a pretty good basketball team."
Bubba then referred to former Champion coach Gary Rowland, who handles the Raiders offense.
"What we teach is unselfishness, sharing the ball, and tonight we did that well," Rowland said.
The Tigers were led by 6-4 senior Anthony Jones, who scored 18 points and grabbed nine of his team's 29 rebounds.
"We had mental breakdowns, cold shooting and we got off to a terrible start," Rayen coach Phil House said. "You just can't do that against a team like Warren Harding, who, when they play like they did tonight, are as good as anybody."