JOHNSTOWN – The Raiders had another solid outing in front of a good crowd on Wednesday evening. The FM Five defeated the visiting Twins of Columbia-Greene 64-43.

The game was expected to be closer than it was. This is a season in which just about any team can beat any other. The Twins downed Hudson Valley 80-70 on January 14, but just four days later Hudson Valley defeated the Raiders 71-69. Those scores suggested that Columbia-Greene could be a real threat to FM.

Photo:  Tyrone Davis scores after stealing the ball

Kadeem Stanislas had another big night for the Blue & White. He opened the scoring with a nice drive, then took a pass from Khaleeq Baum and scored again, giving FM a 4-0 lead.

Tyrone Davis scored, and the game was tied at 6-6. Kenny Barr added a field goal, and FM led 8-6. The Raiders led the Twins the rest of the way.

Davis scored again – this time on a steal-and-go. Carlos Rivera hit a three from the right corner. 15-10 FM.

The game was another showcase for Stanislas. The fast and agile senior has been a standout, and he seems to be getting even better as the season progresses. He drives in from the guard position, dishes out smart passes to teammates, and is always a threat from long range. Stanislas has a knack for twisting and weaving his way through traffic. He led all scorers with 25 points against the Twins.

Dondre Simmons brought his energy to the game. He stole the ball and fed Stanislas to put the Raiders up 17-12 (pictured).

Photo: Kadeem Stanislas makes the score 17-12 FM

Columbia-Greene's hustle matched that of the Raiders in the early going, but the home team had the better offense. Baum stole the ball and drove for two. Tyrone Davis tallied from three-point range, giving FM a 10-point lead at 29-19. Baum took an inbounds pass from underneath the Raiders' bucket and powered up for two. The first half ended 31-21 in FM's favor.

It took the Raiders a little while to start clicking after the break, and the Twins closed to 34-31. Then Stanislas took over. He drove for two. He followed that with a coast-to-coast dash for two more. He sank a two-pointer from just inside the arc. He sank a free throw, and FM was in front 41-31.

The Raiders were in charge. Dondre Simmons got the ball in the left corner. In an instant he dashed to the rim and dunked the ball. (See photo at the bottom of this page.)

FM's final tally was a sweet three from the left corner by Marquis Edwards. The final score was 64-43.

Photo:  Marquis Edwards

The Raiders will be back in their den on Saturday to play SUNY Adirondack. The Timberwolves have a 4-5 conference record. On Wednesday the 'Wolves lost to a strong Clinton team by just three points, 76-73.

Saturday's game will be part of a doubleheader. The conference-leading Lady Raiders will play Adirondack at 1:00 p.m., and the men's game will follow around 3:00.

                                                C.J. Bonny, website writer

FM:  Barr 7, Simmons 2, Rivera 5, Edwards 5, Stanislas 25, T. Davis 7, Baum 11, Giddings 2; Total 64

Columbia-Greene:  Paul 13, Thompson 7, Arcuri 13, Knight 2, Bligen 4, Sophler 4; Total 43

Photo below: Dondre Simmons

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