SEDALIA, Mo. — After a slow start against Mineral Area on Friday, the Raiders ran through Crowder on Saturday. Three Rivers went from 12 points in the first quarter to 27 points a day later en route to an 89-61 win in the Region XVI Showdown. Three Rivers pressed through the first three quarters, and eventually backed out of it when it built a 30-point lead. Katelyn South came off the bench and led the team in both steals (4) and points (27). She was 11 for 15 shooting, including 3 for 6 on 3-pointers to go with three rebounds. Chaylea Mosby also came off the bench and had 15 points and eight rebounds, including four offensive rebounds, in 15 minutes. Mosby grabbed three steals, as well, and was 6 for 9 shooting and 3 for 5 on 3-pointers. Autumn Dodd made it three with 10 points, five assists and two steals off the bench on 50% shooting. Jordan Little was the lone starter to score in double figures. She finished with 11 points, four assists, two steals and two rebounds. Myia Yelder led Three Rivers with seven assists and wasn't far away from a triple-double with eight points and six rebounds in 21 minutes. 

All 11 Lady Raiders played at least 11 minutes and the team shot 46.7% from the field and 31.3% on 3-pointers. The Raiders had 16 steals and forced 25 turnovers. Makayla White led Crowder with 18 points after going 8 for 8 on free throws while Ashley Reichert and Maia Wright each had 10 points. Three Rivers coach Jeff Walk said the newly created Region XVI Showdown will be a benefit for the team with about six weeks to go until the region season starts. In its first year, the Showdown does not count toward region standings, but gives the freshmen an early look at what the increased intensity of a region game is like. In the past, Walk has relied on the sophomores to convince the freshmen that region games are more intense than many of Three Rivers' games against nonregion opponents, but it often takes those first couple of region games for them to believe it. Following a last-second loss to Mineral Area, the Lady Raiders fell out of the NJCAA national rankings this week. 

Scott Borkgren - Daily American Republic