Rebels defeat Ridgewood, but fall twice at Rumble on the River tourney

By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

Riverside fell short of an opportunity to enter district play on a high note, falling at home on Wednesday to Country day, 55-50.

Troublesome foul-shooting was a major Rebel downfall, despite a balanced scoring attack that saw four players score in double figures. The Rebels (5-12) missed 12 foul shots, glaring in the face of a five-point loss.

“You can’t miss 12 free-throws and expect to win a close game, especially given how bad we were defensively” said Riverside Coach Kristy Hebert. “We played terribly on defense.”

Sarah Levin and Marci Millet each scored 14 points to lead the Rebels. Jessica Price scored 13. Brittany Schoen scored 10.

Country Day opened up a 15-8 lead after the first quarter. It would extend that lead to nine entering the fourth, and Riverside wasn’t able to overcome it.

Last Thursday, Riverside began play in the Rumble on the River tournament at the Alario Center. The Rebels went 1-1 in pool play, beginning with a 59-14 win over Ridgewood.

Riverside outscored Ridgewood 29-0 in the first quarter, and coasted from there.

Millet led the team with 12. Schoen scored nine.

“We were able to dominate the first quarter, and after that we were able to get our younger players some experience,” said Hebert.

Riverside fell in its second tournament game, 66-41 to Holden. Holden scored 21 in the first and fourth quarters, and the Rebels had trouble keeping up with that offensive pace.

“Holden is very physical, and they outlasted us, “said Hebert. “They kept running, running, and substituting to wear us out. We played well, but it wasn’t enough.”

Millet scored 14 to lead Riverside. Price scored 10, and Schoen scored seven.

Once Riverside reached bracket play, it faced McMain, which earned a 40-28 victory to advance.

Riverside led entering the fourth quarter, but McMain outscored the Rebels 15-0 in the fourth quarter to emerge with the win.

“We just fell apart,” said Hebert. “We broke down mentally after they got a lead. We couldn’t hit a shot. We tried to force things when we didn’t have to.”

Millet led Riverside with 10. Schoen added seven.

Riverside was slated to begin district play on the road against Fisher on Friday.