Lengthy Morgan stymies River View attack

WARSAW — It was not the start Morgan wanted on Friday, trailing by 10 points late in the first quarter.

Morgan's Rowdy Williams tries to block a shot by River View's Mason Giffin. The Raiders won 58-47 on Friday night.
Morgan's Rowdy Williams tries to block a shot by River View's Mason Giffin. The Raiders won 58-47 on Friday night.

But, Rowdy Williams hit a 3 at the first-quarter horn, and the visiting Raiders used that spark to race past River View 58-47 in a Muskingum Valley League crossover.

Length was a factor for Morgan with all five starters standing least 6-foot-0. The Raiders' zone held River View to 20-of-50 shooting, including 3-of-13 on 3s.

The Black Bears also had 15 turnovers, including 10 in the second half, and couldn't overcome a 10-0 Morgan run in the third quarter.

"Their length bothered us, and they contested a lot of our shots," River View coach Ben Belden said. "We had our tempo to start, but their zone changed the tempo into their favor. We tried to get it back, but when we got within striking distance, it seemed like we made an error at the wrong time or they made a play."

Williams, who finished with a game-high 20 points, felt his buzzer beater gave Morgan a boost. The Raiders were able to lean on their chemistry and experience to hold on for the victory.

"It gave us a lot of energy. We played with more confidence and got after them defensively," Williams said. "We've been playing together all summer and have a good feel for each other. Our goal is a MVL title, and this is a good start."

Williams' 3 pulled Morgan (1-1, 1-0) within 14-7 after one quarter, and River View made just 1 of 9 from the field in the second quarter.

The Raiders took advantage, as Joe Mayle's 3 brought them within 16-15. Williams and Carson Mummey scored on back-to-back possessions to put them up 19-18 at the break.

River View (1-1, 0-1) opened the third with a pair of quick baskets. Brody Border scored on a putback and Laired Williamson grabbed a steal and laid it in to put the Black Bears up 22-19.

It was the last time they led, as the Raiders rattled off 10 straight. Mayle scored on a layup and drew a foul, but he missed the foul shot that was grabbed by Myers, who put it back in for a four-point possession and a 23-22 edge.

Morgan's Rowdy Williams makes a pass against River View's Brody Shrimplin and Laired Williamson in Friday's game. The Raiders won 58-47.
Morgan's Rowdy Williams makes a pass against River View's Brody Shrimplin and Laired Williamson in Friday's game. The Raiders won 58-47.

Morgan then scored on five of its next seven possessions to extend its lead to 35-29. Williams and Mummey scored four points each, while Myers converted a four-point play after getting fouled on a made 3 for the six-point lead.

The Raiders took a 39-33 edge into the fourth quarter, as the Black Bears never got closer than five points, despite Morgan making just 10 of 17 free throws in the final stanza.

Morgan coach Rob Justice praised his group's poise after the first quarter. He admitted the free throw shooting was spotty late, but his team made the plays to get an impressive road win.

"Our guys battled through that first quarter and played well after that," Justice noted. "Our free throws could have hurt us, but we made enough of them.

"This is the longest team I've had. It helps us, especially when we go to our zone," he added. "We believe we have the pieces to compete every night. We have to keep their minds at bay and take care of what we can control."

Myers chipped in 11 points, Mummey added 10 and Mayle scored eight in a balanced effort, as the Raiders made 21 of 40 field goals, including 19 of 30 after the first quarter.

Owen Emig finished with 17 points, Williamson and Brody Shrimplin added nine points apiece and Border scored eight for the Black Bears.

bhannahs@gannett.com; @brandonhannahs

This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Lengthy Morgan stymies River View attack