By LESLEY GRAHAM
The Ocean City Red Raiders girls basketball program opened up the 2019-2020 season Thursday night with a convincing win over the visiting Millville Thunderbolts, 52-16.
Red Raider sophomore Marin Panico led all scorers with 13 points.
The starting five for Ocean City included Panico, junior Marlee Brestle and seniors Lauren Mirsky, Abbey Fenton and Emma Finnegan.
The Red Raiders got off to a slow start, with stagnant offensive production from both Ocean City and Millville in the first quarter of play. With under four minutes remaining in the opening quarter, the score was the closest it would be all game with Ocean City holding a 3-2 advantage.
As the minutes waned in the first quarter, Ocean City started to find its groove and then never looked back, extending its lead to 7-2 at the end of the quarter and then to 25-8 at halftime.
As the second half got underway, Ocean City continued its offensive dominance, spreading the scoring wealth as nine different Red Raiders had points in the game.
Fenton drained a three-pointer in the third quarter to extend the lead to 37-8. The Thunderbolts were able to find the scoreboard on a three-pointer of their own to end the third quarter trailing 40-11.
Ocean City had the opportunity to get some of its younger, less experienced players in the game in the third and fourth quarters, giving them valuable experience early in the season. Their youthfulness did not downgrade the level of play. Ocean City dropped 12 points in the final eight minutes to finish the game.
The Red Raiders are looking to reload this season, after graduating four seniors who were instrumental in capturing three South Jersey titles during their tenure.
Although the faces on the court may be different, the expectation from legendary head coach Paul Baruffi remains the same.
“We had a big turnover with players, and we struggled a little out of the gate, which is natural in the first game. But our goal is to get better and better as the season goes on in preparation for the ultimate end of the year, the CAL tournament and Group 3 playoffs,” Baruffi said.
Baruffi, who recorded his 400th win last season, thought the team looked good, but noted there is always room for improvement.
“It’s difficult trying to go over everything you need at the beginning of the season, so we just have to get into a groove,” he said.
There are plenty of games remaining in the season for the Red Raiders to find their rhythm and continue to evolve.
They will be back in action 5:15 p.m. Sunday against Rancocas Valley in the PBA Tip Off at Ocean City High School.
