By Nathaniel Ford
FARMINGTON – The Josh Robie show was in full effect, as the standout senior scored 37 points in Profile’s 71-49 victory over the Raymond Rams.
The Patriots showed today why they are true contenders, both at The Bash and in Division IV. To put it simply, they scored 10 less points today than their season average. And they scored 71.
“We’ve got a really good squad in Division IV,” said Profile coach Mitchell Roy. The Endicott College alumni in his fourth year coaching for the Patriots. He took over a struggling squad and has brought them into contention in Division IV, sitting at an undefeated 5-0 record.
Profile jumped out early, going on a 12-0 run in the first three minutes of play. It’s no secret that they can score in bunches. What they proved tonight is their defensive capabilities. The Patriots played inspired on their end, forcing plenty of turnovers and hustling all over the court.
The game was out of reach after the first quarter. Profile was winning 27-2, and it was on both ends of the floor. Robie scored 15 points in the quarter alone, 9 of which coming from back-to-back-to-back three pointers on consecutive possessions.
Raymond showed some life in the second quarter, opening it with an 11-2 run and cutting the Profile lead to 16. The Patriots stayed composed, and they rebounded with a nice run of their own highlighted by some huge baskets by Alex Leslie.
Leslie recorded 9 points in the second quarter, and Profile kept a commanding 38-17 lead into the half. Despite Raymond winning the second quarter, The Patriots were still leading by over 20 points.
The third quarter provided more back-and-forth play between the teams with Profile winning it narrowly. Robie had another double-digit quarter with 10 points, giving Profile a 57-32 lead entering the final quarter.
The lead was already too big for a Raymond comeback coming into the fourth regardless of what happened. A 14-10 quarter in favor of Profile would finalize a convincing 71-42 win for the Patriots.
Profile was led by Robie’s 37 points, as well as a nice 15-point performance from Alex Leslie. Raymond had a balanced scoring attack led by 10-points from Drezell Duffaut and 8 points from Caden Claytor.
Profile advances to the quarterfinals to face a tough Coe-Brown team tomorrow at 2:00. Coach David Smith’s squad won the Team Sportsmanship award last year, and they return 2022 All-Tournament selection Quinn Salter.
Raymond has been eliminated from contention, and they play Concord Christian tomorrow at 11:30.
Check out photos of action by KJ Cardinal…