Men's Basketball: Raiders Hold Off Storm

The Central Community College men's basketball team posted an 81-72 win over Southeast Community College at the Raider Fieldhouse on Saturday.

CCC's sophomores Josh Baker (second from left), Jayden Byabato (second from right), Trey Deveaux (third from left), Derek Merwick (left), Hunter Pickworth (right) and Preston Thomas (third from right) were honored before playing their final regular season home game.

The Raiders controlled the first half and led 46-35 at halftime. In the second half, CCC built a 13-point lead over the first four and a half minutes which was a key part of the contest. Earlier in the season, Southeast defeated CCC by 10 points in Beatrice, which meant that the Raiders had to beat the Storm by 11 points to host the Region 9 title game. However, the Storm was able to erase CCC's double-digit lead preventing the Raiders from hosting the championship match.

"It seemed like were in control for most of the game, but yet we could never really separate," said CCC head coach John Ritzdorf, who also said he was pleased with the win. "Anytime you beat Southeast, especially late in the year, it's a big win. That's four (wins) in a row and our guys are playing good basketball now."

Deveaux led five CCC players in double figures with 21 points. Byabato scored 16 points while Merwick added 14 points. Blake Daberkow logged a dozen points and Davis finished with 11 points.

Saturday's Region 9 title game is set for 1 p.m. in Beatrice.