Raiders Dominate at Home
KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany – As the winter holidays approach, the basketball teams at Kaiserslautern have been making waves in the local scene, boasting an impressive unbeaten record on their home turf within the Kaiserslautern Military Community.
After a match against Lakenheath held at Kaiserslautern High School this past Saturday, a scheduling shift is on the horizon.
Following the winter break, the boys’ team won’t step back onto their home court until January 31, while the girls will have to wait until February 7 for their next home game, which will also mark their last regular-season appearance.
Impressive Performances
With a keen focus on maximizing their home-court edge, the Raiders aimed to bag as many victories as they could before the holiday recess.
Their matchup against the Lancers proved particularly fruitful, leading to some commanding wins.
The girls’ squad continued their undefeated streak with a solid 57-34 triumph earlier in the day, while the boys bounced back from a prior setback, triumphing with a score of 63-35.
As a result, the girls now stand at 4-0 overall (3-0 in Division I), and the boys improved to 3-1 (2-1).
One player emphasized how crucial these wins are for establishing a competitive baseline as they head into the break, as it significantly boosts the team’s momentum and intensity.
Team Resilience and Contributions
In the boys’ game, the Raiders faced some early obstacles, trailing by a point in the opening minutes and committing some uncharacteristic errors.
However, their coach urged them to keep their composure and regain their rhythm.
This advice paid off as they finished the first quarter with an impressive 19-0 run.
The coach expressed confidence in the team’s ability to navigate tough moments without needing to call timeouts, believing that such experiences are vital for their development.
While the coach noted this game had a different energy compared to regular play days, one of the players underlined the importance of self-motivation from the start.
She stressed how vital it is not to allow mistakes to dampen their spirits throughout the match.
Once the squad settled into their groove, their offensive execution shone through.
Three players reached double figures: Elizabeth Marriott led the charge with a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Vernesha Oliver contributed 14 points and Hazel Sanders added 13 points, predominantly in the first half.
In the second quarter, Olivia Illka stepped up with seven points, breaking Lakenheath’s momentum, while Shayla King provided early scoring to energize the team.
On the other side of the court, the first-year Lakenheath coach praised his team for their resilience, especially as they navigated the challenging moments of the game.
One Lancers player showcased individual brilliance with a game-high 19 points.
Eager to rebound from a previous loss to their rivals at Ramstein earlier in the week, the Raiders came into Saturday’s game with determination, which translated into a commanding lead that never dipped below ten points.
The Raiders demonstrated a strong team effort in scoring, with eight out of the nine players contributing.
Caleb Ringer stood out with 14 points, while Garrett Vitter topped all scorers with 17 points, most of which came from the paint.
Vitter was pleasantly surprised by his scoring, but he maintained his usual style of play, responding fluidly to the game’s rhythm.
Echoing the girls’ success, Lakenheath’s boys showed signs of life in the fourth quarter, ending the game with an 11-4 run, hinting at their potential for future success.
Lakenheath’s coach noted that progress hinges on teamwork and sustained effort, especially since many rivals have played together for a longer time.
One player stood out, achieving a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, while another made an impact with 12 points and five steals, all despite their team’s defeat.
Source: Stripes