By Mike Vidakovich Rifle Head Coach Eric Caro knew coming into this season that his young team may experience some growing pains with a tough non-conference schedule to greet them and the always challenging 4A Western Slope League opponents lined up following the holidays. Despite Saturday night’s 42-32 setback to the Roaring Fork Rams in the annual Brenda Patch Tournament in Carbondale, Caro is more than excited about his new position as the Bears’ leader, and ready to meet all future challenges head on.
I’m excited for the road ahead of us. There were three freshmen out there tonight who have been working hard. This entire team is about hard work. Our motto this season is grit and grind,” Caro said.
Using relentless full-court pressure to begin the contest, the Bears jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead on a driving basket from the left side by senior post Masi Smith. Smith was fouled on the play and converted the ensuing charity toss.
The shots were not falling early on for the home team, but the Rams managed to end their scoring dry spell with 4:28 to play in the first quarter when junior Caroline Wisroth scored from close in to get Roaring Fork jump started.
Rifle’s Jamie Caron hit a 3-pointer to extend the visitors’ advantage to 9-2.
A couple of free throws by Rams senior point guard Logan Erickson and a basket in the key by junior Isabella Hernandez to start the second period drew Roaring Fork within 14-11. Rifle’s Danielle Doll hit a 3-pointer which was answered by the Rams’ Emily Broadhurst on a short jumper as the teams headed to intermission with the Bears holding a 17-16 lead.
The third quarter proved decisive for Roaring Fork as they came out of the locker room fired up and outscored the Bears 15-8 in the 8-minute stanza.
“Our shots weren’t falling early on so we relied on our defense to create some offense,” Roaring Fork Head Coach Jade Bath said. “We came out much more aggressive on both ends of the court in the second half.”
Erickson started the scoring burst with a 3-pointer from straight on. Then it was Broadhurst’s turn to grab a couple of steals and convert them into lefty layups. Sophomore Maya Lindgren scored inside to put the Rams up 29-23 as the Bears were forced to play catch up.
“We did come out more confident in the second half. They were a little physical to start the game, but we adjusted well and started to find each other more on the offensive end,” Erickson said.
Smith scored on a determined drive to the basket for Rifle, but senior Kendall Bernot answered with a scoring gallop to give Roaring Fork a 31-25 lead.
With senior post Gabriela Santana grabbing every rebound in sight for the Rams, the Bears faced an uphill battle in the fourth quarter as they watched Roaring Fork increase their lead into the final margin.
Smith led Rifle in scoring with 14 points while Erickson tallied 15 points for the Rams.
The Roaring Fork girls (2-0) …read more
Via:: Post Independent