By LESLEY GRAHAM
The Ocean City High school boys basketball program cruised to a 63-38 win over rival Mainland on Monday night.
The win brings the Red Raiders to 7-1 on the shortened season while Mainland drops to 1-5. This was the second meeting between the two teams this season, with Ocean City also taking the first one, 69-55.
Senior Gannon Brady led all scorers with 26 points on the evening.
Ocean City jumped out to an early first quarter lead and never looked back. Dominating on both ends of the court, the Raiders took a 31-16 lead going into halftime.
With the second half under way, Ocean City continued to put on a show, creating offensive opportunities with crisp passing and ball movement while allowing teammates to find an open shot.
The Red Raiders also stepped up the pressure defensively, creating turnovers and the ability to convert on the other end.
As the final seconds of the third quarter ticked away, senior Joe Repetti knocked down a big three-point shot to end it and increase Ocean City’s lead to 49-23.
The Mustangs were able to outscore Ocean City in the final quarter of play, but the hole was too big for Mainland to dig out of.
Due to the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic, the high school basketball season has been shortened with no playoffs and state tournament.
Although it looks different, the Red Raiders are determined to still play every game with passion and embrace the opportunity. Monday night, they honored their nine seniors who have lent their talents to the program over the past four years.
The seniors for Ocean City are Will Drain, Brady Rauner, Jake Schneider, Brendan Schlatter, Joe Repetti, Brett Grodziak, Ben Hoag, Gannon Brady and Mike Rhodes.
The Red Raiders will be back in action Wednesday night as they take on Pleasantville away at Pleasantville.
