MUSCODA - This past week on Monday, Feb. 8, the Riverdale boys’ basketball team traveled to Wonewoc-Center to play a very solid Scenic Rivers Conference team.
The road team came out firing from long distance and was able to hit on six three-pointers prior to halftime, including three of those from junior Ethan Haffner. Wonewoc-Center was bigger and stronger than the Chieftains, but the Chieftains came to play, and that’s exactly what they did. With a combination of unselfish play, good communication, and superior attitudes, Riverdale went into the half leading by a few points.
The second half saw the Chieftains give up far too many offensive rebounds, thus allowing Wonewoc-Center to climb back into the game, and eventually take the lead.
Riverdale probably got a little tired in the second half, and those shots that were falling for them early in the game, as they were now having trouble finding the bottom of the net. In the end, the effort was there, but the score just wasn’t in their favor.
The final score was Wonewoc-Center, 65, Riverdale, 54.
Scoring were: Ethan Haffner – 18; Michael Schaefer – 13; Dakota Fiebranz – seven; Jeffery Anderson and Ty Hougan – six each; and Elijah Cannon – four.
Vs. Mineral Point
On Thursday night, Feb. 11, the boys hosted a home game versus last year’s State runner-up in Division 4, the Mineral Point Pointers. Mineral Point has had an outstanding team for many years, and always seems to have a tall and athletic squad each year.
After the tip, Mineral point grabbed control and started off to a 9-2 lead. After a Chieftain timeout, Riverdale stormed back with several two point baskets by Dakota Fiebranz, Elijah Cannon, Cody Sperry, and Ethan Haffner, and was able to tie the game at 15 – 15 with only a few minutes to go before half. After a key basket with just under a minute to go before half, the boys were only trailing the Pointers by two points, but a play of misfortune gave Mineral Point three additional points. The home team went into the locker room down by five.
In the second half, Riverdale continued to play smart, unselfish basketball, and it showed as they contended with the Pointers quite well. Mineral Point was able to capitalize on many offensive rebounds to gain the point advantage they needed, and Riverdale was forced to play from behind.
In the end, the Pointers may have gotten the victory, but it was the Chieftains who turned in one of the better performances Riverdale has had against Mineral Point in many years. Great job guys!
The final score was Mineral Point, 56, Riverdale, 44.
Leading in rebounding was Cody Sperry with seven.
Scoring were: Elijah Cannon, Ethan Haffner and Dakota Fiebranz – 10 each; Cody Sperry – eight; Ty Hougan – four; and Michael Schaefer – two.
