The Lady Raiders of Three Rivers won their fourth straight game since the holiday break, by beating host Jefferson College, 70-47, Sunday in the final of three Region XVI Challenge games in the same number of days. Three Rivers (10-1) was led by Maiya Bergdorf and Da'Kariya Jackson, with both scoring 15 points while Marihya Hart added 11 for the Lady Raiders, who outscored Jefferson 43-25 in the second half. Bergdorf and Ahniya Melton both pulled down 11 rebounds apiece. Jackson also recorded six assists. "We were tied at halftime and came out and finished the game," Wiggs said. "It was our fourth game in six days and we have finals week.

It was going to be more of a mental battle than physical – we were all tired. It was who was going to be more disciplined and locked in. Our girls did a great job locking in mentally to end the week on a great note for us." On Saturday, the Lady Raiders trailed 27-26 at halftime, but used a big second half to cruise to the 70-52 win over No. 10 previously unbeaten Moberly. The Three Rivers defense held Moberly to 31.1 percent shooting from the field including 22.2 percent beyond the 3-point line. Jenna McMillen led the way with 16 points while Maiya Bergdorf added 14 points, Ari Winston poured in 12 points and Da'Kariya Jackson finished with 11 points. "The biggest thing with all these games was we competed for 40 minutes and that's been a big emphasis of ours," Wiggs said. "You will take punches and it's about how you will respond: There are good and bad moments and what will you do? I was really proud of the girls. They took bad moments and made it better.

When the moments were bad, they kept fighting and turned it around. "We have done a much better job the past two games with 13 and 18 turnovers – with as a fast as we play – my goal is 15. In both games we had 17 and 18 assists and have assisted two-thirds of our shots. The girls have done a really good job with that the last two games." The Lady Raiders play Williams Baptist's junior varsity Thursday in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas.

Alan Dale - Daily American Republic