Raiders Defeat Fowler 57-50 in Boys’ Basketball

The Fowler Eagles visited the Portland Raiders tonight. Jason Goerge, Portland’s first year varsity basketball coach had coached the Eagles for four years before he decided to take the coaching position for the Raiders last June. Goerge compiled a winning record at Fowler (57-32) and has two former players on college rosters. He still lives in Fowler.

The Eagles came to “play against their former coach with lots of emotion”, according to first year Fowler Coach Kameron Riley, and they wasted no time by jumping off to a 9-0 lead. The Eagles ended the first quarter leading 20-8. It did not look good for Goerge and his Raiders.

In the second quarter it was Portland's turn to play with emotion. Portland seniors Aryan Virk and Owen Russell combined for 11 second quarter points while Fowler was held to 3 points. At half-time the Eagles led 23-21.

The Raiders came out in the third quarter and slowly took control of the game. Trent Meyers hit one of his signature 3-pointers. Virk hit two free throws. Owen Russell connected on a three-point shot, to put the Raiders ahead 29-26, then stole the inbounds pass and made a lay-up. The third quarter ended with Portland on top 35-32.

Fowler hung around during the fourth quarter and forced the Raiders to win it from the charity stripe. Portland made 15 out of 19 free throws in the fourth quarter to seal the win. Zach Pier hit 4 of 6, Virk connected on 5 of 6, and Russell scored 4 of 4 from the free throw line.

Owen Russell led the Raiders in scoring with 21 points for the game. Aryan Virk contributed 17, Grant Ruddy 8, Zach Pier 6, Gavin McGregor 2, and Trent Meyers finished with 3. Brycen Halfmann led Fowler with 21 points and Carter Pline scored 16.

Coach Goerge said about Fowler after the game, “They are a good group of kids and I miss them. We knew that they would come out emotional”. Goerge said of his own team, “I am proud of my guys tonight. They came back, played good defense and got the win”.

The Raiders improved their season record to 5-10. They host Lansing Catholic on Friday Night.

To see more photos of this game, check out the album on The Portland Beacon Facebook page.