DEC. 4
NON-LEAGUE
Ryan 41, Bonner 34
  The Archbishop Ryan Raiders began exhibition play last week at the Knights of Columbus Tip-Off Classic in Reading.  The team went 1-1 at the tournament, receiving outstanding play from Andrew Rogers and Eric Jann.  The two Senior players received All-Tournament Honors.  The Raiders then returned home to play Monsignor Bonner.  It would be the team’s first game in front of their home fans.  The game got off to a slow start with the Raiders finding themselves behind early in the first quarter. The team received a spark from Junior Rus Slawter, who hit a big three to beat the buzzer at the end of the first.  It remained a close game throughout the 2nd and 3rd quarters due to great defense on both sides.  The man who stood out the most on the defensive side of the ball was Bonner’s star player, Lijah Thompson, who had four monster blocks in the game.  Thompson also fared well on the offensive side with 10 points.  In the second half, Ryan’s All-Catholic guard Andrew Rogers stepped up his offensive play.  Rogers found himself making a play every time down the floor for the Raiders.  He was the team’s high scorer with 10 points, also finishing with 5 assists and 4 rebounds. Rob Siter on Monsignor Bonner finished the game as the high scorer with 14.  Aggressive play out of Raider Juniors Anthony Keiter and Rus Slawter late in the game helped give Ryan the edge on their first home victory of the new season.  Rebounding from the big men was key, especially from Chris Wilk, who ripped down 5 boards. Wilk also finished with 5 points and an assist.  Sharp-shooting Senior Tom Marshall hit only one three pointer but still finished the game with 7 points and also one assist. Ryan played a strong, physical game and pulled one out in the end winning by the score of 41-34.  The Raiders look forward to league play beginning, coming into the season expected to be in the top four teams in the Northern Division.
  Players of the Game: AR’s very own AR, Andrew Rogers. It wasn’t Rogers’ best game but it still was a solid performance from the team’s captain. For Bonner I’d have to say big man Lijah Thompson.  His defensive presence in the post was a huge factor for the team despite the loss.