There was a time when the Cornell Lady Raiders basketball team had cried when they won their very first game of the entire Cornell basketball program almost ten years ago. Since then, it’s been a whole different ball game.

Now, the Raiders can easily shut 5A teams out with some leads being over 20 points.

The Lady Raiders have had a remarkable season (15-4, with a 8-1 section record), but it’s not over yet. The Raiders will be hosting Quigley Catholic at home on Thursday, February 2. Although the Spartans and Raiders have been battling it out with one another for some time now for section champs, the Raiders are determined to have the Spartans head home with a loss.

The Spartans have had around 58 consecutive section wins, all starting from back in 2011. They have not lost a section game since.

But the Raiders have never lost a home game this season. With the expectation of having a gym full of energetic fans, players, and coaches, it will be a challenge for the Spartans to keep up with Raider’s speed and teamwork.

This could very well be the battle of the year for the girl’s team for many reasons: showing their community what they are made of and by making a statement to other teams and even themselves.

It doesn’t just stop there for the Raiders. They also plan on getting far enough to win not just Section Champs, but heading also into the Playoffs and States.

The Raiders versatility will also shock the fans and rock the stands. There are the forwards who can shoot from anywhere within the three-point line and still manage to get their rebounds, going back up for the shot. Then you have the guards who drive to the hoop from anywhere and give assists that not even the coaches knew were there.

It’s a good season and year for the Raiders and they won’t stop here. This legacy will continue on for future teams when they look back and realize that even a small 1A school from Western Pennsylvania can make a big impact far and wide.