POTOSI – With 16 seconds remaining in last Thursday night’s Six Rivers West conference boys’ basketball game between River Ridge and host Potosi, the Timberwolves’ Kirk Martin lifted his team to a 32-31 victory by hitting the last shot of the game.
Martin finished the night with a team-high 15 points, as River Ridge improved to 1-1 in league play and 2-2 overall.
With the loss, coach Mike Uppena’s Chieftains fell to 1-1 in conference action and 1-4 overall.
For the first half of Thursday night’s contest, both teams played nearly even, as Potosi held a 17-12 edge at the half.
Coach Nate Copsey’s squad then outscored the Chieftains 12-8 in the third quarter, and trailed just 25-24 going into the final eight minutes.
Neither team was able to pull away from the other in the final quarter, setting up what appeared to be a fantastic finish in the making.
With under 30 seconds to play in the game, Potosi had taken a 31-30 lead, and put the pressure on the Timberwolves.
Stepping up under the pressure was Martin, who spotted up and nailed a short jumper from the baseline with 16 seconds to play, giving his team a 32-31 lead.
After bringing the ball across half court, Potosi took a time out with 10 seconds to play, looking to set up a game-winning shot.
Unfortunately for the Chieftains, they turned the ball over to River Ridge with one second remaining on the clock.
Following Martin’s 15 points was senior forward Alex Breuer, who chipped in 10, while junior Zach Ertz finished with five.
Together, the three combined to score 30 of their team’s 32 total points.
Coach Nate Copsey’s squad finished the night making 13-of-37 (35%) field goal attempts, including 2-of-6 (33%) from beyond the 3-point arc.
They were 4-of-9 (44%) from the free throw line, committed 12 turnovers, and came away with seven steals.
Potosi struggled from the field on their home court, making 12-of-43 (28%) field goal attempts, including 4-of-15 (27%) from downtown.
They were 3-of-9 (33%) from the free throw line, committed 14 turnovers and came away with 13 steals.
The Chieftains did out-rebound River Ridge, 28-21, while Potosi had 14 offensive boards to the T-Wolves’ five.
Brent Curtis and Chase Kruser each finished with seven points to lead the Chieftains.
Curtis also pulled down a team-high eight rebounds and had three steals on the night.
This past Monday night, Potosi improved its overall record to 2-4, by beating visiting Wauzeka, 58-26.
Curtis led the Chieftains with 20 points, while sophomore Nate Friederick was close behind with 16.
Friederick also pulled down a team-high 11 rebounds, while Riley Hawes dished out seven assists, and Josh Parkins had five.
While coach Uppena is still without junior Kyle Kaiser, who suffered an ankle injury in football, he now may be without senior guard Chase Kruser, who injured his foot last week.
This Friday night, Potosi (1-1, 2-4) will host Belmont (0-1, 2-2), while River Ridge (1-1, 2-2) will host Shullsburg (2-0, 4-1).
River Ridge 32, Potosi 31
(from Thursday, Dec. 12)
River Ridge 8 4 12 8 - 32
Potosi 9 8 8 6 - 31
River Ridge - Zach Ertz 5, Kirk Martin 15, Alex Breuer 10, Tyler Schmidt 2. Totals - 13 4-9 32.
Potosi - Josh Parkins 2, Brent Curtis 7, Chase Kruser 7, Riley Hawes 5, Dan Post 4, Jake Udelhoven 4, Nate Friederick 2. Totals - 12 3-9 31.
3-point goals - RR: Martin 2; P: Curtis 1, Kruser 2, Hawes 1. Team fouls - RR 8, P 14. Fouled out - None.
Potosi 58, Wauzeka 26
(from Monday, Dec. 16)
Wauzeka 5 4 11 6 - 26
Potosi 19 11 19 9 - 58
Wauzeka - Jon. Huber 7, Jor. Huber 2, Klema 3, Rush 6, Je. Huber 9. Totals - 10 6-10 26.
Potosi - Josh Parkins 2, Brent Curtis 20, Riley Hawes 6, Dan Post 4, Jake Udelhoven 3, Karson Bartell 3, Nate Friederick 16, Tyler Udelhoven 4. Totals - 22 7-15 58.
3-point goals - P: Curtis 2, Hawes 2, Udelhoven 1, Bartell 1, Udelhoven 1. Team fouls - W 13, P 9. Fouled out - Huber (W).
