A strong first quarter performance from Shaquille Keith and a total team approach for the rest of the way helped REDA Red withstand a three-point shooting barrage from Tri County Prep to take the 68-61 W.

If not for Keith pouring in 11 of his team-high 20 points in the first eight minutes the game could have gotten out of hand early with Tri County looking blow it open early.

 “Shaq’s a really good player, he has the ability to take over a game offensively like he did in that first half when we needed it and one of his best qualities is his passing so he got everybody else involved, the press really helped and it worked well,” said Jesse Tipping REDA Red head coach.

Looking for some redemption from its earlier loss Tri County came out the gate firing on all cylinders, hitting its first five shots from the field including three from long range to take an early 13-5 lead within the first two minutes of the game.

“Got to play harder, just go to do what we do…they were playing better than us, they were the better team at that point and you can’t rely on talent in the third and fourth quarter to win,” said Tipping.

If not for the scoring exploits of Shaquille Keith, REDA would find itself in a deep hole.

But as the quarter progressed the REDA defence stepped up and began limiting the easy looks Tri County was getting from the perimeter. Along with the improved D, Keith slowly integrated his teammates on the offensive end as the first eight minutes winded down and the momentum would carry into the second frame with the game all tied at 21.

With their leading scorer on the bench to start the second quarter the REDA offence didn’t miss a beat with Brent Carey picking up the scoring duties, attacking the basket in transition and hitting the open jumper in half court sets.

The balanced offence coupled with a stingier D allowed REDA to create some distance heading into the break, ahead 40-29 at the half.

Though REDA would look to be in control for most of the second half Tri County would make it interesting, cutting the lead to three with just three minutes to play by connecting on one of their 13 shots from beyond the arc.

 “If they can shoot we can fast break. They’re a great three-point shooting team, we knew that from the start, I thought our guys knew who their shooters were and not to leave them but apparently not,” said Tipping.

Despite the tightly contested match a 6-0 run in the last two minutes would ensure the victory down the stretch.

Leading the way for Tri County was the hot shooting of Kristian Vandekemp and Reid Giondi who finished with 22 and 21 points respectively, while Carey added 12 for REDA.