Men’s Basketball: CCC Wins Season Opener

Four Raiders scored in double figures as CCC men's basketball opened the 2021-22 season with a 95-88 home win over Hastings College JV.

The game was close early on as the teams were deadlocked at 10 at the 13:31 mark of the first half. The Broncos then went on a 12-4 run to lead by eight. The Raiders then pulled to within one, 22-21, with 7:15 to play before halftime. Hastings JV again went up by eight, 35-27, with just over two minutes remaining. CCC outscored the Broncos, 9-2, to trail 37-36 at halftime.

The Raiders opened the second half with a 13-1 run over three minutes to take a double-digit lead, 49-38. Central built its biggest lead of 18 with just over two minutes remaining, 90-72, and went on to win.

Despite the victory, CCC head coach John Ritzdorf was disappointed with his team's defense in allowing 16 three-point baskets.

"It's a typical first game in that I'm glad that we came out with the win, but it was unacceptable on the defensive end of the floor," said Ritzdorf. "We have a lot to fix if we want to have the season that we want to have."

Two CCC players posted double doubles as Caleb Muia scored 20 points and hauled in 11 boards, while Kevin Cooks scored 14 points and pulled down a dozen rebounds. A pair of freshmen, Trey Deveaux and Derek Merwick, each scored 18 points. Ritzdorf made particular mention of Merwick.

"I don't think we win without Dereck Merwick," said Ritzdorf. "He was unbelievable with his energy and the way he made plays for other people."

The 1-0 Raiders will be back in action on Friday at Northeast Community College. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.