DEFENSIVE TURNAROUND HIGHLIGHTS SEASON OPENING LOSS FOR LADY RAIDERS

A group photo of the Roane State women’s basketball team on the court. Two coaches stand on each side, with one in a red pullover and black pants and the other in a white shirt with a blue tie. Ten players are posed in two rows, wearing white and blue Roane State uniforms with red numbers. The front row sits on chairs while the back row stands, and a basketball is held by the center player in the front. The team is positioned on top of the Roane State logo at center court, with empty red and blue bleachers in the background.
The 2025-26 Roane State Lady Raiders Basketball Team
November 3, 2025

COLUMBIA, Ky. — Facing a raucous crowd on the road, Roane State's young lineup battled through early struggles before settling in during the second half of a 59–42 loss in their season opener Saturday.

It was a learning experience for a Lady Raiders team featuring five true freshmen starters who are seeing their first collegiate action on the floor together. Despite the 18-point halftime deficit, head coach Roger Parker said he came away encouraged by his team's adjustments and composure in a challenging road environment.

"It sounds like an excuse, but it's the reality of the situation," Parker said. "We had five true freshmen on the court at one time, and the environment was new for them and for me. Lindsey Wilson shot 61 percent in the first half, but we made some adjustments at halftime and held them to 28 percent in the second. The future looks very, very bright for the Lady Raiders."

The defensive turnaround was sparked by what Parker called a mindset shift. "We had to clean up our gap protection in man-to-man," he said. "At this level, you have to see man, ball, and where you can be useful. I told them it's an all-hands-on-deck mentality. If you're the nearest one and they've got the ball, that's your man."

Offensively, Tiara Jones led Roane State with six points and a team-high 10 rebounds, showing her ability to control the glass. Kyree Patrick added seven points on 2-for-5 shooting while going 3-for-4 from the free-throw line. Le'Quioya Love also chipped in seven points and five rebounds, continuing her steady play inside.

Freshman Charlise Scarlett impressed in her collegiate debut, scoring six points while contributing three rebounds and an assist. Parker praised Scarlett's all-around performance. "I thought I was getting just a shooter," he said. "But she's a ballplayer. If she doesn't play at a four-year school after Roane State, it won't be because she's not wanted—she can flat-out play."

Janae Aponte filled the stat sheet with four points, five rebounds, and three steals, while Amiyah Thompson added three assists and three boards off the bench. Jaden Cooper scored five points and went 2-for-2 from the free-throw line also.

After being held to 23 points in the first half, the Lady Raiders' defensive pressure slowed Lindsey Wilson's rhythm coming out of the break. Parker said the team's energy and communication improved noticeably.

"Defensive intensity will lead to our offensive elusiveness," Parker said. "The turnovers we start to create are going to help morale, the scoreboard, and our overall plan of having complementary basketball."

Parker compared Lindsey Wilson's execution to conference rival Dyersburg State. "They reminded me of Dyersburg—the best-coached team in our league," he said. "They're precise with the little things. It was a good early-season test for us."

Despite the loss, the Lady Raiders outscored Lindsey Wilson in stretches of the second half and showed glimpses of their potential. Parker said he left Columbia with confidence in his team's foundation.

"When we put this team together, we had hopes and aspirations," he said. "Now, to see it in action, the passion they bring is special. Even the coach at Lindsey Wilson told me, 'If you all can start the way you finished, your conference is in trouble."