Red Raiders Hope to Build on Victory Over Tough Girls' Basketball Rival

The Ocean City High School girls' basketball team had yet to have a signature win this season.

That all changed on Saturday.

The Red Raiders used a stifling defense in a 36-27 win over Holy Spirit at the Battle of the Bay Tournament at Atlantic City High School.

"It was a big win against a very big program," Ocean City coach Paul Baruffi said. "I think they were 15-2 going into the game. I thought the girls played great defense."

The Red Raiders' defense gave up just five points in the first half, as they took a 16-5 halftime lead. They also held 1,000-point scorer Tenisha Mobley to nine points, and every other Spartan to single digits.

It was the second straight win for a young Red Raiders team that is 12-4 and already among the best teams in the Cape-Atlantic League.

The win proved that they can play with most teams, which can be important to a young team with the playoffs starting later this month.

"That's why we play a game like this," Baruffi explained. "The Battle of the Bay is a great tournament and we played before the boys game so there was a nice crowd. It was kind of a playoff atmosphere. That's why any time someone asks me to play in something like this, I jump at the chance.

"We had some tough losses in competitive situations and the more opportunities we play in those situations the better prepared you are. We can't be afraid to step in and play in those type of games. It's going to help us in the long run."

Julia Duggan led the Red Raiders with 13 points, and 11 rebounds, and Emily Duggan added eight points and 13 rebounds.

Emily Gillian, Reilly Larkin and Katie Johnson handled the Spartans pressure well, and Natalie Landi and Danielle St. Clair played solid defense.

"I got contributions from a lot of different players," Baruffi said.

The Red Raiders are back in action Tuesday night against the Hill School.