PIQUA (WLIO) — Defending Division VII state champion Russia began its postseason run with a 68-44 victory over Ansonia.

The Raiders dictated the pace early as Cooper Unverferth scored the game’s first points and later added a team-high 15. Cash Grogean chipped in 13, while Maddox Goubeaux attacked the rim to help Russia build an 18-9 first-quarter lead.

Russia steadily stretched the margin from there to punch its ticket to the district semifinals. The Raiders will face Franklin Monroe on Saturday in Piqua.

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