By Michael Buhler
TSnews
The Argonia Raiders boys basketball team could not have picked a better way to kick off the new year.
The Raiders opened 2023 by winning their first game of the season, rolling past Burrton 43-23 last Tuesday at Argonia. Not only was it the first win of the season, but it was the Raiders’ first win since the 2020-21 season.
“It’s definitely nice to get a win to start the new year,” Argonia coach Robert Almanza said. “We have had some really good practices since then, and part of that is just getting over that hump and securing the win.
“We have been working on offensive rating all during Christmas break so it was nice to improve in that area. Defensively, I thought we started out flat, but had a pretty solid end to the first quarter and start of the second.”
The Raiders (1-6) led 11-4 after the opening period and 22-11 at halftime before pushing the lead to 38-14 by the beginning of the fourth quarter
Dalton Morrison led Argonia with 16 points. Morrison also had eight rebounds, while three other players – Damien Smith, Dakota Specht and Carson Vineyard – each had seven. Smith also had four steals.
“I thought Dalton Morrison played well, once again leading us in scoring,” Almanza said. “I also thought his defense on their best player was a big reason for the win. He contested shots really well. I also thought Dakota Specht played a nice game, especially on the glass.”
The Raiders hosted Udall earlier this week and host West Elk Friday before beginning play in the South Central Border League Tournament.
Argonia: Dalton Morrison 16, Damien Smith 8, Dakota Specht 8, Nicolo Lamesso 6, Carson Vineyard 5
