The Red Ravens are playing white hot. Playing in unfavorable conditions (moving the game back one day due to weather) head coach Jay Herkelman taught his team to compete against adversity and how to adapt to changing circumstances.
Freshman Keon Queen and the rest of the team did just that.
Queen would lead all scorers on the day with 25 while also totaling 14 rebounds to secure his double-double. Queen also added two blocks and two steals to his stat line.
In the first half, the Red Ravens shot a staggering 50% going 18/36 while raising their lead to 43-31 at halftime. Compare that to the Grizzlies 39.3% (11/28) and you see the recipe for the halftime margin.
Queen also received help from fellow freshman, and Red Raven Player Spotlight, Marvin Johnson. Johnson got the Red Ravens going by draining a three point basket off an assist from Travis Washington "The President". On the game, Washington would total four assists.
Johnson and Queen fed off each other all game. When Johnson would make a three pointer, Queen would grab a rebound, pass up court, and be on the receiving end of a put back attempt or a a dish from one of the guards.
Johnson (18/5/2/2) became the focus of the Grizzlies defense which lead to Queen and others being open for emphatic points.
Herkelman received a healthy dose of bench production as well. Sophomore Cedric Roland posted 15 points and 7 rebounds in 20 minutes of play. Roland showed his range as he drained buckets from the elbow, inside the paint, and just in front of the three point line.
Quawn Marshall also added 4 points, 2 assists, and 3 steals in his 16 minutes. Marshall's production was big for the Red Ravens as he was able to be productive and give Washington a breather at times.
On the night, the Red Ravens received 25 points from their bench.
With 9:44 left in the game, the Grizzlies made a run to cut the lead to five (65-60). It was the Grizzlies largest run (10-0) of the night, however, all the run did was wake the Red Ravens up. For the remainder of the game, the Red Ravens would go on a 26-17 barrage.
The late run was capitalized by two thunderous dunks. One was by Johnson, who threw the ball down hard with authority in front of the Red Raven student section. The last one came from Queen who nearly pulled the rim down.
The victory was the exact type of game Herkelman preaches. Take care of the ball, rebound the ball, and score more points than the opponent. The Red Ravens forced 18 turnovers, out rebounded Butler 46/25, and ultimately outscored their opponent by 14.
Coffeyville outscored Butler 26/10 on points in the paint and shot 53% (35/66).
The Red Ravens travel to Barton on Saturday to take on the #1 team in the KJCCC.