The Randolph Raiders are no strangers to high-stakes basketball. As the defending Area Champions, they enter tonight’s semi-final against Westminster Christian with confidence, experience, and a hunger to extend their season. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM at Madison Academy, and for the Raiders, it's win or go home.

Head Coach Trey Hatfield knows exactly what it takes to win in this environment. “Our approach is the exact same as last season when we were also the No. 2 seed,” Hatfield said. “We just have to go into the tournament knowing in our mind that we have already done this before. For us, it gives us a lot of confidence that we have already been in this situation and that everyone on our varsity roster has that experience to fall back on.”

One of the biggest strengths for the Raiders this season has been their ball control. The numbers speak for themselves—Randolph boasts a 13-2 record in games where they commit fewer than 15 turnovers and a 7-1 mark when that number dips below 10. “Our primary ballhandlers, Garrett Trousdale and Hudson Cloud, have really led the way in controlling the ball,” Hatfield noted. Their ability to handle Westminster’s pressure will be key to securing a win.

Westminster enters the matchup as a familiar foe, but also an improved one. “They are playing very good basketball right now,” Hatfield said. “Their coaching staff has done a great job, and they’ve made a lot of improvements since December. They’re a solid defensive team that applies great ball pressure, and they have guards who can attack the rim or kick out for open shots.” For Randolph, the focus is clear—win the turnover battle and lock in defensively.

The Raiders have shown steady growth throughout the season, both on and off the court. “The biggest improvement has been the cohesion of the group as a whole,” Hatfield said. “Part of why I love this team so much is because they are all friends and spend time together outside of basketball.” That chemistry has translated to tangible success, including a significant jump in Trousdale’s three-point shooting percentage—from 18% last season to nearly 40% this year.

For a deep postseason run, senior leadership will be vital. Last year, Theo Reischauer stepped up in the area tournament, and Hatfield sees a similar trajectory for Will Waites. “I think he could be an X-Factor for us this year,” the coach said. Other key contributors include Graham Batey, who has seamlessly filled the void left by Roan Campbell’s graduation, and Cloud, whose transition to point guard has allowed Trousdale to play a more dynamic scoring role.

With many returning players from last year’s championship squad, the Raiders understand the stakes. “We have a great belief in who we are,” Hatfield said. “Playoffs always reveal what’s really inside of you, and I think we have a lot of true competitors who know what the moment is and aren’t afraid of it.”

As the Raiders prepare for battle, Hatfield’s message to his team is simple: embrace the moment. “At most, our seniors have a month left in their high school basketball careers. I just want to make sure they are making the most of it and enjoying the journey.”

The Raiders need every bit of support they can get from Raider Nation tonight. “We had an incredible crowd against JPII last Friday, and it made a huge difference,” Hatfield said. “We need that same energy tonight at MA. I can’t overexaggerate the difference it makes when the crowd is loud the entire game.”

Randolph is ready. The stage is set. Now, it’s time to go to battle. See you at 7:30 PM, Raider Nation—let’s make it a night to remember.