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Warren County wrecks Raiders
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Jeffery Simmons photo Jerry Mrema attacks the basket during the final minutes of Saturday's victory over Shelbyville. Mrema is one of many bench Pioneers receiving big minutes during two recent blowouts. Warren County improved to 19-5 Monday with a 63-50 victory over Moore County.

Moore County proved to be little more than a speedbump for the Pioneers Monday night.

With three pivotal District 6-AAA games upcoming, Warren County didn’t take long in dispatching the Raiders 63-50 on their home floor.

“It was the last time we step out of district. We did what we needed to do and now it’s go time,” said coach Chris Sullens.

Still with a bitter taste in their mouths following last Friday’s loss to Stone Memorial, the Pioneers have taken it out on their last two opponents. The redemption tour started Saturday with a win over Shelbyville (see more details on 2B), then continued in Lynchburg Monday.

Tyree Ladet broke out for 15 points - his highest scoring total since the Sonic Shootout finals in December – to lead the Pioneers Monday. Sloan Seymour followed with 12, while Chance Hobbs added 10 on a night where nine Pioneers scored and 15 players earned minutes.

Getting some extra experience for young players was easy to do once the Pioneers built a 23-5 lead after the first quarter.

Ladet got off to a hot start, scoring nine points in the first quarter. Grayson added a 3-pointer and three-point play in the period, while Hobbs connected on two 3-pointers in the first half.

Austin Hodges knocked down a 3-pointer just before halftime to send the Pioneers to the locker rooms ahead 37-14.

An offensive lull in the third quarter – the Pioneers were held to seven points – gave Moore County a brief chance to make a comeback, but Seymour shut the door with eight fourth-quarter points.

Sullens was happy to see his team get one win away from 20 victories, but his focus quickly turned to the upcoming schedule.

“Our team knows exactly what is at stake over the next two weeks,” said Sullens. “We must play our best basketball to reach our first goal – a regular season district title. We must be physical and work harder. This is the challenge our group said they wanted from day one. There are no excuses.”

Warren County (19-5) will hit the road Friday for its next challenge. The Pioneers will try for a season sweep of Rhea County, which beat Cookeville last Friday 57-53. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.