Turning things around
Chiefs, Maidens pick up first conference wins
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RONAN – The Ronan Boys’ basketball team put together an impressive fourth quarter push to earn their first conference win Tuesday as the Chiefs downed Whitefish in Ronan. Only two points were the difference at the end of the third frame, but in the final eight minutes, Ronan used the three ball and points in the paint to put up an impressive 30 points to take the easy win. The team ended up winning 69-56, improving to 1-7 in league play, and 8-10 overall.
During the first frame, Ronan found itself in early foul trouble as the Chiefs quickly picked up three fouls in the first 3:51. Whitefish used its size advantage against the smaller Chiefs. The team did a great job creating turnovers as Whitefish drove the ball to the basket early on, keeping them alive in the game.
Kevin Wroblewski was on fire from beyond the arc the three all game and used one to tie the game at six apiece with a three midway through the first quarter. At the end of the first frame the game was in the favor of the Chiefs at 11-10.
J.J. Tanner was also connecting from long range, hitting a three two minutes into the second quarter to give Ronan a 16-12 lead over the Bulldogs. With just twenty four seconds left in the half, the Chiefs tied the game at twenty five with yet another three. Whitefish went up by one point at halftime by hitting a free throw, with an advantage of 26-25.
During the third frame, the game continued to be a close one, as Ronan just couldn’t seem to pull away. With two minutes left in the third quarter, the Chiefs only possessed a one-point lead with a score at 33-32. At the end of the third, Ronan held a 39-37 lead.
It was during the final eight minutes that the Ronan Boys’ decided enough was enough and that it was their time to shine. Midway through the fourth, the Chiefs had a 45-40 advantage over the Bulldogs. At that time, the team began exploding offensively, driving the ball to the rim, and creating a large deficit with the three ball.
Tanner used back-to-back steals to create points for the Chiefs, first by making his own lay-up, then by dishing the ball to Marcus Hungerford for another easy two points. Ronan had now built up a comfortable 54-44 lead. The team continued to roll as Gordon North Piegan III put the icing on the cake as Ronan won 69-56.
Whitefish fell to 2-5 in the conference, and 10-7 overall with the loss.
Wroblewski lead the Chiefs with 18 points, while Tanner added 16, and Justin Dustybull put up 11.
Gage Vasquez led all scorers with a game high 22, while Drew Galbraith added 12 for the Bulldogs.
The Ronan Maidens picked up their first win this season Friday night with an impressive performance in Whitefish, earning an impressive 54-37 victory.
During the first frame, the game being tied at eight with 3:48 to go. The Lady Bulldogs’ early foul trouble helped Ronan stay in the game, giving the team many opportunities to score at the free throw line. Whitefish picked up nine fouls in the first frame, to Ronan’s five. The game was in the Maidens’ favor at the beginning of the second quarter, with a score of 14-8.
Ten seconds into the second quarter, Courtney Clairmont got a three pointer to that gave Ronan a 17-8 advantage. As the second frame progressed, the team continued to find the rim, rapidly building a commanding lead over the Lady Bulldogs. At the half, the Maidens led 32-12.
The team struggled through the third quarter, scoring four points. Luckily, the Lady Bulldogs could not find the rim either, only scoring six points in the third frame.
The Maidens’ picked up their game during the final quarter, with Clairmont hitting a three pointer forty seconds into the period. Ronan continued to put up points throughout the fourth, scoring 18 to win easily with the final score of 54-37.
Clairmont led all scorers Friday night, with a game high 14 points, while Tailyr Irvine put up 12, and Ashley Grandchamp added 10 for the Maidens.
Olivia Nagler scored 11 points, while Olivia Curtiss added eight.
Summary
Chiefs 69, Whitefish 56
Whitefish10161119-56
Ronan11141430-69
WHITEFISH - Mac Roche 9, Kyler Blades 6, Gage Vasquez 22, Cooper Olson 2, Drew Galbraith 12, Jose Sanchez 1, Jace Kalbfleisch 2, Alex Duroche 2.
RONAN - J.J. Tanner 16, Marcus Hungerford 2, Lucas Black 8, Justin Dustybull 11, Kevin Wroblewski 18, Brady Oakland 3, Chris Clary 2, Jackson Jore 6, Gordan North Peigan III 3.
Maidens 54, Whitefish 37
Ronan1418418–54
Whitefish84619 –37
RONAN – Kiana Howell 1, Marissa McCrea 3, Courtney Clairmont 14, Alice VanGunten 3, Ashleigh Lynch 2, Ashley Grandchamp 10, Justice Burland 3, Tailyr Irvine 12, Cassidy Cheff 1, Mariah Cheff 5.
WHITEFISH – Olivia Nagler 11, Taylor Havens 1, Ashley Millard 3, Heather Bailey 1, Olivia Curtiss 8, Jessica Poe 4, Brooke Silliker 5, Shannon Craft 2, Ashlee Brewer 2.
