Both Coffeyville teams restarted their winning streaks Monday, with the women overcoming Neosho County 78-64 and the men following through at 84-56.
Coffeyille's women, riding high off of a huge victory over Butler on Saturday, seemed to carry that momentum into the matchup with the Panthers. Kailyn Lay had the hot hand early, giving the Ravens and early lead that grew bit by bit throughout the first 20 minutes. Lay would lead all scorers with 9 as the Red Ravens took a 14-point lead into halftime, 43-29. The third quarter would be dominated by Coffeyville, with Martina Aeschliman and Faith Simpson adding buckets to compliment Lay's earlier efforts. The lead would grow to as much as 27, as head coach Tony Turner started clearing the bench midway through the quarter. However, Neosho would not go quietly into the night, ripping off a 17-0 run that brought the game back to within 8 points. Coffeyville, who could not seem to catch a break, would not score until 6 minutes into the final quarter. Fortunately, the lead was just too much for Neosho to overcome, and with Dariana Carter and Lay sinking their free throws, Coffeyville would escape with the 14-point victory.
The Red Raven women improve to 10-3 on the season, and 9-3 in Jayhawk Conference play. Afterward, Turner reaffirmed his belief that the team is only as strong as its weakest link.
After the women's contest, the men took to the floor looking to continue its success. Neosho, fresh off a victory over Coffeyville-conquerer Independence, looked to do the same, even taking an 8-point lead on the Ravens in the first half. Parsons native Magic Reliford was particularly hot, showing impressive range and forcing Coffeyville into a bad spot defensively. Reliford would pick up 15 of his 23 points in the first half, most of which came from way beyond the three-point line. However, Coffeyville would fight back, finally taking the lead once again right before the half thanks to the efforts of Tylor Perry. The Red Ravens led, 40-38. Halftime adjustments would be made, and it seemed as if Coffeyville flipped the switch. Perry hit three straight 3s to open up the lead, and Kevaughn Ellis refused to miss from deep as well. Coffeyville shot 11-19 from three-point range on Monday, approaching their highest average of the season. The sixth-ranked Red Ravens consequently outscored Neosho 44-18 across the second half, also shutting down nearly anyone not named Magic Reliford en route to another double-digit victory, 84-56.
Back on another winning streak, Coffeyville's men improve to 15-1 and 13-1 in conference play. Head coach Jay Herkelman said it felt pretty good to make shots from outside again.
Both teams will hit the road Wednesday for a trip to Cloud County. The Thunderbirds will be the first opponent Coffeyville has already seen this season. Coffeyville took both at home. Pregame will start at 5:45 pm, with the women tipping off at 6, on US98.1, KUSN.
