Ryle Takes “Battle of Kentucky” 63-53 Over Oldham County
CINCINNATI, OH — The second game of Monday’s Inaugural Kemba Credit Union MLK Classic featured two Kentucky teams taking the Cintas Center court, the Oldham County Colonels and Ryle Raiders. Ryle emerged victorious, defeating its opponents 63-53.
Quarter one featured a back-and-forth start, as neither team could build much momentum. With 2:20 remaining in the quarter, Oldham County went on a 7-2 run to give itself a 10-6 lead thanks to six points by Matt Winslow. Winslow finished the frame with 11 of the Colonels’ 15 points, assisting Oldham County taking a 15-12 advantage into the second quarter.
Both teams displayed consistent offensive production in the second frame as the Colonels took a slim 28-25 lead into the locker room. Ryle kept Winslow in check; he did not score in the quarter. Holden Smith posted six points in the first half to lead the Raiders in scoring.
Ryle flipped the game on its head to start the second half, going on two long scoring runs in the third frame. With 6:31 to go, an AJ Davis steal and layup put the Raiders ahead 29-28. The fast break was part of a 6-0 run. Then, with 3:01 remaining, Ryle went on another 8-2 run thanks to two baskets by Blake Broz to extend its lead to eight at 41-33. The frame ended with the Raiders leading the Colonels 48-41, with Ryle outscoring its opponents 23-13 in the quarter.
Oldham County kept Ryle in check in the fourth quarter, but it was too little, too late for the Colonels. The final dagger came with 1:37 left when an Anthony Coppola jumper extended the Raider lead to 10 at 60-50. Ryle closed out a 63-53 victory at the Cintas Center. Matt Withrow led the Colonels in scoring, posting 19 points.
Oldham County (8-9, 0-1 District 29) will look to rebound as the team will be back on the court soon. They host Ballard on Wednesday, January 21. Meanwhile, Ryle (11-6, 2-0 District 33) will travel to Conner for its next game on Friday, January 23. The Raiders have won their last seven games.
