RIB LAKE BOYS BASKETBALL - Redmen impress in easy opening night victory

RIB LAKE BOYS BASKETBALL

The Rib Lake boys basketball team was able to show its athleticism on Tuesday night during their season opening non-conference game against the visiting Northland Pines Eagles.

The Redmen were able to shut down the Northland Pines offense most of the night, beating the Eagles 54-23.

The game got off to a slow start offensively for both teams. Six minutes into the game, the score was tied 3-3. Northland Pines held the ball for over a minute and half, but the Redmen defense stood their ground, forcing a missed shot by the Eagles. On the offensive end, the Redmen ran a pick and roll to perfection when sophmore Talon Scheithauer made a bounce pass to senior Jackson Blomberg for a layup. The Redmen would then go on a 9-0 run highlighted by a corner 3-pointer by Blomberg.

After an Eagles timeout, the Redmen picked up right where they left off, extend- ing their lead to 20-3 about two thirds of the way through the first half. The Redmen continued to play very good defense, especially in the post. The Redmen did not allow many second-chance opportunities for the Eagles.

Late in the first half, the Eagles hit two 3-pointers to cut Rib Lake’s lead to 23-9. On the next defensive possession Blomberg took a charge and Rib Lake would regain momentum heading into halftime by going on a 5-0 run to pull ahead 28-9.

Coming out of the half, Rib Lake continued the defensive pressure. The Redmen started the half on an 8-0 run in the first seven minutes of the second half, led by 3-point baskets from sophomore Seth Borchardt and another by Blomberg. Northland Pines did not reach double digits until just over seven minutes into the second half when Eagles senior Hunter Lester hit a pair of free throws.

The Eagles tried adding some defensive pressure in the second half by using a full-court press. Rib Lake was successful in breaking the pressure, led by senior Andrew Wudi, who broke the press and got his teammates open looks multiple times in the second half including a nice no-look pass to Blomberg to extend the Rib Lake lead to 48-17. At that point, both coaches started clearing the benches.

On the night, the Redmen forced 20 Eagle turnovers. Blomberg led the way with four steals, while Wudi had two steals of his own.

The Redmen were led in scoring by Blomberg with 18. Scheithauer also added 12 for the Redmen, while Borchardt had eight points.

Despite some foul trouble in the first half, Wudi led the team in rebounding with nine, while Blomberg added eight.

Wudi also led the team in assists with four.

Rib Lake will travel to Edgar tonight, Thursday, to take on the Wildcats in the Marawood Conference opener. This will be the Wildcats’ first game of the season, following their WIAA Division 7 state football championship.

On Friday Rib Lake will host Pittsville in a non-conference game at 7:15 p.m.

Next Tuesday, Dec. 5, the Redmen will again hit the road for a non-conference game with Owen-Withee at 7:15 p.m.