Rams ready for tough challenge

Ringgold’s Demetrius Butler has picked up his scoring over the past few games. He’ll need to play another big role if the Rams are going to upset District 3 champion Lancaster Catholic tonight at Warwick High School in Lititz.
Jenn Codeluppi / MVI Sports

By JOSE NEGRON
jnegron@yourmvi.com
Before they take the court for tonight’s PIAA Class 4A first-round matchup with Lancaster Catholic, members of the Ringgold boys basketball team will have plenty of time to mentally prepare.
A trek of more than three and a half hours await the Rams (14-10) as they head East to face the District 3 champion Crusaders (23-3) 7 p.m. at Warwick High School in Lititz, Pa.
Ringgold is making its second state playoff appearance since 1995, while Lancaster Catholic is appearing for the fourth year in a row and 20th time in program history.
“I think it’s an experience that they’ll have with them the rest of their lives,” Ringgold head coach Phil Pergola said. “They get to go to a state playoff game and it’s nice to get on a charter bus and travel.
“I think the kids understand the day now, so the experience of having gone through this one time should help.”
Ringgold will undoubtedly face a tough test tonight, and it all starts with the challenge of having to contain senior David Kamwanga.
Kamwanga, a 6-7 forward who has received some attention from Division II programs, hit the game-winning shot to give Lancaster Catholic a 61-59 overtime victory over Bishop McDevitt in the district title game last week. He scored 15 points in the win and is averaging a team-high 11.7 points per game this season.
“The big thing is whoever is assigned to him has to keep him off the boards,” Pergola said. “If he goes outside and shoots a few threes and makes a couple, that’s one thing, but you can’t give him a second or third opportunity on rebounding.”

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