By JASON KING
Leader sportswriter
The Riverview Raiders kept their perfect 2-3A Conference record intact with a 56-39 victory over Bald Knob on Tuesday at Bulldog Arena.
The Raiders (12-3, 3-0) jumped out to a 17-4 lead at the end of the first quarter and built that to 32-11 at halftime. Senior guard Taylor Smith led with 20 points and post D.J. Teague scored 19.
“It’s gone well for us these first three games,” Riverview assistant Nathan Claxton said. “We’re still trying to come together defensively and improve our intensity there. Our communication is getting better, and we want to continue to grow in that aspect.”
Riverview went with a reserve-heavy rotation in the second half and still played close. The Bulldogs outscored the Raiders 11-10 in the third quarter and 17-14 in the final period.
Richard Bailey finished with 10 points for Riverview.
Claxton and head coach Jon Laffoon are new to the Riverview program this year after replacing previous coach Russell Stumpenhous, who led the Raiders to the 3A state semifinals last season. The coaches inherited a team chock full of talent, and Claxton said their coachable attitudes have made the transition mostly painless.
Claxton credits junior transfer Dillon Waggle for the good communication early in the process. Waggle transferred from the Searcy School District over the summer, and has quickly become a key component on the Raiders.
“So far, they’ve taken well to the coaching,” Claxton said.
“Every new coach has different things to learn, but the transition is going good for these guys. Dillon Waggle has been a big part of that, he’s really good with it.”
The Lady Raiders fell to the Lady Bulldogs 71-48 on Tuesday. Senior Queen Banks led Riverview (5-10, 1-2) with 16 points while Meg Meachum added 15 points.
It has been a tough go for the Lady Raiders through the first half of the season as they have played with limited personnel.
“We don’t have much depth,” first-year Lady Raiders coach Ryan Smith said.
“We can pretty much play with anybody through three quarters, then we have to fight through the fourth quarter. We have eight girls, and seven of them play a lot.
“I plan on moving up some kids from the junior high whenever their season is over.”
The Raiders and Lady Raiders hosted Brinkley Friday night and will host cross-town rivals Harding Academy on Tuesday at the Riverview Activities Center.
