By By RICK SWANSON / Edwardsburg Argus
In a 62-41 rout of the River Valley Mustangs, the Cassopolis Rangers tuned up for next week's post season play against the Mendon Hornets.
The Rangers took hold of the game by the end of the first quarter and never gave up the lead.
They looked solid and worked together, with strong passing and plays that were well executed.
"We moved the ball better," Cass coach Josh Hood said. "River Valley played a hard, good game, but we were able to move around them."
"They forced the action," River Valley coach Shawn Gedert said. "We just could not handle the ball and the full court pressure, and their fast hard play was too much for us."
And the stats showed it. River Valley gave up the ball 22 times to only nine for the Rangers.
Cassopolis dominated on both sides of the court and on offence it brought out the fireworks. Six players netted 3-pointers, led by Luckey's three baskets and the game-high 11 for the night. Drew Warren, dropped in six points with Harris, Justin Jackson, DaShaun Curtis and Kris Morgan each posting three points.
Along with eight points, Raymond Nelson led the team with five steels, followed by Stefon Luckey and Larry Harris with four each.
Cassopolis shot 50 percent from perimeter and 41 percent from the field setting the final total of 62.
"We were shooting the ball better tonight," Hood said after the game.
Turning their attention to the Edwardsburg Eddies on Thursday night, the Rangers will be brushing up on their post defense and shoring up their weak spots.
"Overall, they look good," Hood commented.
RIVER VALLEY 41
Robert Alexander 0 0-0 0, John Jackson 1 0-0 2, Jamen Blake 2 0-0 5, Josh Gibson 0 0-1 0, Mike Becktell 1 0-0 3, Tom Kill 1 0-2 2, Nate Swords 9 1-2 19, John McMullin 0 0-0 0, Vinnie Baggett 1 0-0 2, Tom Lozmack 3 2-4 8, Dan Snyder 0 0-0 0, Andrew Freehling 0 0-0 0. Totals: 18 3-9 41
CASSOPOLIS 62
Nick Davis 2 0-0 4, Kris Morgan 4 2-2 11, Larry Harris 4 0-2 9, Raymond Nelson 3 0-1 6, Drew Warren 3 0-0 8, A.J. Ballard 0 1-2 1, DaShaun Curtis 3 0-0 7, Justin Jackson 2 0-0 5, Stefon Luckey 4 0-2 11, Thomas Wilson 0 0-0 0, Mario Peterson 0 0-0 0, Stefone Connor 0 0-0 0. Totals: 25 3-9 62
River Valley 11 12 9 9 – 41
Cassopolis 17 12 11 22 – 62
3-point goals: Luckey (C) 3, Warren (C) 2, Harris (C), Jackson (C), Curtis (C), Morgan (C), Blake (RV), Becktell (RV). Total fouls: Cassopolis 13, Valley 8. Fouled out: None