The Riverside Bulldogs girls basketball rode a strong effort and balanced scoring to a big 50-9 victory over the Griswold Tigers. From the start, Riverside played with good pace, moved the ball well, and had a suffocating defense. Offensively, the Bulldogs were as balanced as can be, with 12 players registering points and three picking up at least 7. Combined with a start-to-finish effort, Riverside cruised to their ninth victory of the season.

One of the highlights for Riverside was their defense. They were quick to the ball, quick to cover, and hard on the press. Throughout the game, Griswold struggled to possess the basketball as the Bulldog defense caused a host of turnovers that Riverside was able to turn into offense. The Bulldogs held Griswold scoreless in the first quarter as Riverside ended the opening frame up 14-0. In the second quarter, the three-ball started falling for Griswold. Although Sophia Taylor and Kayden Schnack both down threes in the first quarter, four of Riverside’s seven field goals in the second quarter came from beyond the arc. Elly Henderson downed two, while Taylor and Adaline Martens added one each. Well into the second frame, Abby Gohlinghorst broke through for the Tigers. However, it would be the lone field goal of the half for Griswold as Riverside went to the locker room with a 30-point lead.

The second half saw playing time for both team’s reserves. Griswold continued to fight as Addison Adams and Zoey Amos each knocked down field goal while Carsyn Adams and Gohlinghorst earned trips to the charity stripe and knocked down free throws. What stuck out the most for Riverside was their complete game effort. From tipoff to the final whistle, the Bulldogs competed. No matter the lead, they hustled back to poke balls free, disrupt plays, and cause turnovers. Although the offense slowed, they stuck to the game plan on their way to victory. In addition to the numerous players that contributed offensively, Henderson and Taylor led the way with a pair of threes and 8 points. Sydney Sommers wasn’t far behind with 7. Head coach Mark Jeppesen appreciated the balanced scoring and said it was part of the game plan.

Jeppesen was also pleased with his team’s complete effort, which is a habit he wants to continue to see.

Riverside will be back in action tomorrow at Treynor, while Griswold will head back home to face Bedford.