ROCK RIDGE USES SPEED TO BEAT PIRATES GIRL’S BASKETBALL 62-36

The Crookston Pirate Girl’s Basketball team ran into a tough test against the Rock Ridge (Virginia/Eveleth-Gilbert) Wolverines on Friday night. The Wolverines used their speed and athleticism to slow down the Pirates offense, and had a balanced offensive attack in a 62-36 victory over Crookston.

FIRST HALF –
Rock Ridge came out and started the game on an 11-4 run to force a Pirates timeout with 13:51 remaining in the half. Scoring all four points to start the game for Crookston was Libby Salentine. Coming off the timeout Isabelle Smith would convert a three-point play for Crookston, but after five more points from the Wolverines, they led 16-7 and took a timeout. Things continued to get worse for Crookston, as the Wolverines would go on another 8-2 run knocking down two three-pointers to pull all the way in front 24-9 with 8:03 left until halftime. After two more scores from Rock Ridge, Crookston would rattle off a 5-0 run with Halle Winjum scoring her first points of the game, and that cut the deficit to 28-14. The Wolverines speed and athleticism bothered Crookston all half as they were able to force turnovers and tip passes. The Wolverines would end the half on a 12-3 run to take a commanding 40-17 lead into the halftime break. Crookston had five different players score in the opening half with junior Isabelle Smith coming off the bench and leading the way with 6 points. Rock Ridge had seven different players score in the half and got 13 from sophomore Anna Westby.

SECOND HALF –
Rock Ridge slowed the game down in the second half, and after knocking down a couple of three-pointers they led by a score of 46-21. The Pirates could never get closer than that for the rest of the game and the Wolverines continued to hold the ball and take time off the clock. Abby Borowicz did get rolling in the second half for Crookston scoring 9 second-half points, and Emma Gunderson would chip in a few baskets as well. Crookston even went on a couple of small runs, but it was too late, as Rock Ridge would end up going on to win the game by a final score of 62-36.

Crookston falls to 7-5 and will wrap up the weekend tomorrow hosting Hermantown. Rock Ridge improves to 9-6 with the win.

FOR PIRATES COACH DARIN ZIMMERMAN’S COMMENTS, CLICK BELOW

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