Richie leads the way for Lowell

Updated: March 23, 2011 9:18AM

Lowell looked to the game against Wheeler as a chance to bounce back after a loss to Crown Point on Saturday. And the Red Devils did in a big way with Austin Richie leading the way for an 81-60 victory over the Bearcats.

"We challenged our guys to come out and bounce back after not playing our best game at Crown Point and they responded in a big way against a tough team that obviously is still the 2A state champ in Wheeler," Lowell coach Nate Richie said.

Austin Richie led Lowell (10-8) with a game-high 29 points, as the Devils came out the aggressor, jumping out to an early 8-0 lead. Richie showed a hot hand early as he hit three of four shots and Kyle Richwalski (12 points) was able to capitalize in the middle to secure a 17-12 Lowell lead after the first quarter.

"I was anxious to play after the Crown Point game and wanted to come out strong knowing we would have a challenge from Wheeler," Austin said. "Our guys really stepped it up and contributed to an all around team win."

The second quarter consisted of myriad fouls committed by both teams. Richie picked up his third foul early and was substituted repeatedly throughout the rest of the quarter.

Wheeler (13-7) settled down and got some key scoring from Nigel Mims and Najee Bailey to stay close. Late free throws by Bailey cut Lowell's lead to 39-30 as the half came to an end.

Wheeler, having removed four players from their team due to academics and team violations, battled to find a lineup to match up with Lowell. The Devils came out strong in the third and with foul trouble looming on the Wheeler side, took advantage.

With the changes in the roster, Wheeler coach Mike Jones know they have some work cut out before the post season.

"Unfortunately things happened and we now have a new mix of kids playing that haven't had a lot of time on the floor," he said. "But give them credit for playing out of position and battling hard. We will get them prepared for the postseason."

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