Red Raiders Struggle to Start Basketball Season

With the loss of a talented core of seniors that anchored last year’s team, the Sidney Red Raiders will need the first part of their season to find a formula for success as they adjust with new players in new roles for the team.

Sidney opened their season at the Western Conference Tournament over the weekend, with their first game against Alliance on Thursday night.

The Bulldogs opened strong, outscoring the Red Raiders 26-to-11 in the first period, and kept up the pressure throughout the game with a defensive effort that stifled Sidney’s offensive attack. The Red Raiders were only able to produce 14 points in the second half, losing a lopsided game 75-to-31 against Alliance.

Sidney next faced Chadron on Saturday, which proved to be a far more competitive game than their first outing. The Red Raiders battled with the Cardinals in a tight game, but were unable to overcome the Cardinals in the fourth quarter, and dropped their second game 64-to-60.

“This was a down-to-the-wire game against Chadron”, said Sidney head coach Austin Lewis, adding, “we really wish we could’ve had some of those possessions back and we would have earned a victory there.”

Sidney finished the tournament against DSST:Conservatory Green out of Denver, and again had another close game that was a back-and-forth affair the entire way.

The Hornets were able to pull away from the Red Raiders with a strong fourth quarter that saw Sidney drop its’ third game of the tournament 66-to-52, to open its’ season with an 0-and-3 record.

Coach Lewis knew that the beginning of this season would be a challenge for the team as they make adjustments and assess their strengths and weaknesses.

Lewis is confident the team will find its’ stride.

“We competed well in two of the three games this weekend, and had one of those down to the wire games against Chadron. The boys are still figuring out their roles and how to play well together. We are a work in progress, but I see improvements all the time,” he said.

The Red Raiders next travel on Friday to take on the Chase County Longhorns.