Posted on 26 February 2014 by La Habra Journal
Ben Rico (pictured against Troy) scored 20 points and secured 11 rebounds in the Raiders’ 67-48 road victory at Righetti in the second round of the CIF-SS Division 2A playoffs, Tuesday night.
SANTA MARIA – Not even a 180-mile one way trip could slow down the top-seeded Sonora boys’ basketball team in a 67-48 victory over Righetti in the second round of the CIF-SS Division 2A playoffs.
Despite being on the road for over three hours before the game, the Raiders sprinted out to an early lead and held it throughout to move on to the quarterfinal round, which surpasses the team’s finish from a season ago.
Josh Rodriguez led the Raiders with 22 points and seven assists, while Ben Rico posted a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds.
Adam Marlow also scored in double digits with 13 points and Christian Rhodes supplied support with five assists and five steals.
Sonora (26-3) started strong, scoring 21 points in the first quarter, which led to a 32-24 halftime lead. In the third quarter, the Raiders gained separation by outscoring the Warriors 16-7.
Righetti (16-11) was led by junior forward Cameron Walker’s 19 points.
The Raiders will play a second consecutive road contest on Friday when they battle Arlington of Riverside in the quarterinals, Friday at 7 p.m.
The Lions defeated Redlands East Valley in the second round, 71-70.