The No. 3 Three Rivers womens basketball team played its first game since Dec. 9 on Wednesday and came out on top with a 90- 65 win over Wallace State at the Libla Family Sports Complex. The Raiders remain perfect on the season as they'll go into the new year at 16-0. Four of coach Alex Wiggs' starting five ended up in double figures in the points column, led by a 23-point game from Myia Yelder. Karlee Holland added 17 points, while Joi Montgomery had 15 and Autumn Dodd recorded 10. Ari Winston was just a 3-pointer shy of a double-double as she had seven points and 10 rebounds.

Three Rivers also took advantage of the offensive boards, outscoring Wallace State 16-9 in second-chance opportunities despite the Lady Lions recording more offensive rebounds, with 13 to the Raiders' 11. Wallace State was able to keep it close early as the first 10 minutes ended with the Raiders up 21-19, but Three Rivers pulled away in the second quarter to go into halftime with a 44-29 lead. The Raiders kept up the strong offensive production in the third as they went into the final period with a 65-46 advantage and cruised into the win column for the 16th straight time to close out 2021.

Prior to the opening tip, both teams learned that Lewis & Clark was not able to make the trip to Poplar Bluff due to a positive COVID-19 test within the program. The games scheduled for today and Friday at the Libla Family Sports Complex were canceled as a result. All three teams were supposed to be in Memphis this week until Southwest Tennessee had to cancel due to health related issues. The next game for the Raiders will be Jan. 8 at Lincoln Trail at 3 p.m.

Robert Augsdorfer - Daily American Republic