They paid no attention to a pre-season rankings snub, and have since gone unbeaten in their first eight games.  Braylon Cordonnier (above) and the Russia Raiders looked every bit the part of a defending state champion Tuesday in a 9-0 shutout win over Jackson Center.

Undertaking an unthinkable situation following a tragic loss, Russia's Spencer Cordonnier stepped in at the 11th hour to guide the the Raiders to a share of the Shelby County League title, the sectional, district and regi0nal title, and all the way to the Division IV OHSAA state semi -final game. We appreciatively recognize him as our 2023 area boys basketball Coach of The Year.

Well-pitched and close throughout, Fort Loramie evened its early record with a run in the bottom of the seventh to edge St. Henry in a Monday softball thriller. Loramie coach Brad Turner (above) watches Ella Hoelscher score the winning run. Read more in Tuesday's Press Pros.

Russia saw its emotional season derailed by a bigger, quicker Richmond Heights whose sole purpose was to advance to the title round on Sunday.  The Raiders gave it all they had along the way, while playing for something far more precious. Read Saturday's Press Pros story of the game.