PATCH GROVE – With wins over Iowa-Grant and Albany over the holiday break, the River Ridge varsity boys basketball team improved its overall record to 4-5, while remaining at 2-1 in the Six Rivers West conference.
Hosting their own holiday tournament, the Timberwolves took on Iowa-Grant in their opening game, and handed the Panthers a 54-47 loss.
After the two teams were knotted at 24-24 after one half of play, coach Nate Copsey’s squad outscored their opponent, 30-23, in the second half.
Posting a game-high 22 points was River Ridge freshman Cole Crubel, who made 6-of-6 free throw attempts in the second half.
Adding 13 points, nine in the second half, was junior Gavin Steiber, while sophomore Brett Moravits chipped in eight, seven coming in the first half.
In the tournament’s championship game, the Timberwolves took the court against Albany, who was a 79-44 winner over Weston in their first-round game.
After one half of play, the Timberwolves held a 22-17 advantage, then outscored the Comets, 32-18, in the second half.
Finishing with a team-high 18 points was Ben Ertz, while Crubel and Steiber each added 13 in the win.
In the tournament’s consolation contest, it was Iowa-Grant defeating Weston, 82-42.
This Friday night the Timberwolves will resume play in the Six Rivers West conference when they host Cassville (0-3, 0-9), who suffered losses to Ithaca and New Lisbon over the holiday break.
River Ridge 54, Iowa-Grant 47
(from the River Ridge Tournament on Friday, Dec. 30)
Iowa-Grant 24 23 - 47
River Ridge 24 30 - 54
Iowa-Grant - Erik Raimer 4, Jackson Vigen 14, Caleb Hill 14, Chad Thomas 7, Michael Winders 7, Charlie Richards 1. Totals - 16 9-16 47.
River Ridge - Ben Ertz 6, Ty Bloom 2, Brett Moravits 8, Ryan Redman 3, Cole Crubel 22, Gavin Steiber 13. Totals - 20 11-17 54.
3-point goals - IG: Vigen 4, Hill 2; RR: Moravits 1, Crubel 2. Team fouls - IG 18, RR 17. Fouled out - None.
River Ridge 54, Albany 35
(from the River Ridge Tournament on Friday, Dec. 30)
Albany 17 18 - 35
River Ridge 22 32 - 54
Albany - Connor Trow 14, Trevor Mueller 2, Corbin Kelley 2, Brock Gilkes 8, Jamison Stauffacher 7, Logan Ross 2. Totals - 11 10-16 35.
River Ridge - Ben Ertz 18, Ty Bloom3, Brett Moravits 2, Tyler Lansing 3, Ryan Redman 2, Cole Crubel 13, Gavin Steiber 13. Totals - 23 5-11 54.
3-point goals - A: Trow 2, Gilkes 1; RR: Bloom 1, Crubel 2. Team fouls - A 13, RR 13. Fouled out - None.
