Raiders finding their identity

NEW CONCORD - The middle of the season can lead to lulls, and Morgan suffered one.

But, the Raiders have regrouped and enter the tournament with momentum after a 57-53 win at John Glenn on Friday.

It was the first win for Morgan in New Concord since 2005.

"We lost the 'we' part of our team for a stretch when we struggled," Morgan coach Adam Copeland said. "We've been clicking the last three, four games, and it's been a group effort. The guys have bought back into each other, and you can hear that with the enjoyment in the locker room (after Friday's win)."

The box score showed balanced for Morgan. Four players scored in double figures, led by Dre Norman's 15 points and Jordan Work's 13. Landon Moore added 10 points, five rebounds and four assists, Marty Sidwell hit the go-ahead 3 in the fourth, as part of a 12-point, five-rebound night, and Jy Mayle grabbed seven boards to help Morgan hold a 29-24 edge on the glass.

"Jordan has been big with his defense, and Jy has become the player we expected with his energy and effort," Copeland said. "It's exciting to see this senior class come together and do this. It's the 36th win for them in two years, and this win (at John Glenn) is big for the program."

Work noted the Raiders entered with confidence. They showed the district that Morgan is a team few want to reckon with in sectional and district play.

The fifth-seeded Raiders host 12th Wintersville Indian Creek on Feb. 28.

"We're playing as a team and we've bonded outside the court," Work said. "We know we have to keep working hard. It starts with our defense and taking good shots. We just need to stay focused and keep pushing to get ready for Indian Creek."

Many players also return from last year's district runner-up season. Work noted that is to his team's advantage, especially with hopes of getting there and beyond.

"Last year's experience should help us out," Work said. "That's a good benefit for us this year, and we'll need it."

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