Rib Lake smothers Panthers to earn season’s second W

RIB LAKE GIRLS BASKETBALL

The Rib Lake Lady Redmen got huge scoring games from Lauren Pelnis and Addison Gumz and a solid team effort defensively Tuesday in a 58-40 non-conference win at Pittsville.

The Panthers came into the game with a 4-1 record, but the now 2-4 Redmen took them down with their second straight strong all-around effort, even though the previous one had resulted in a 12-point loss at undefeated Athens.

“Defensively, I felt we did a good job holding Pittsville to one shot,” Rib Lake head coach Wayne Mann said. “Their offense seemed to go through their post players and the girls did a good job helping double down on their posts.”

Pelnis made seven of 11 shots overall from the field and seven of 12 free throws to score 21 points and the senior completed a double-double by pulling down 11 rebounds. She also had four assists and three steals.

Gumz, a freshman guard, hit seven of 10 shots, including one of two 3-point tries to score a season-high 16 points. She added two steals and an assist as those two helped pick up any slack left by the absence of unavailable starter Danielle Mann.

Overall, the Redmen shot a season-best 46.7% from the field (21 of 45), including 19 of 35 on two-point shots (54.3%). They also got to the free throw line 25 times, making 14 (56%).

Molly Heiser made four of five free throws and finished with six points and seven rebounds. Josie Scheithauer hit a 3-point shot and finished with six points, five steals, four assists and three rebounds.

Rib Lake collected 21 steals in the win, led by Kamy Annala’s eight and Scheithauer’s five. Annala also grabbed five rebounds and scored three points.

Tia Bube had a bucket, two rebounds, one assist and one steal. Rebekah Strobach had a hoop and two rebounds. Tiara Kestler had a basket, a steal and a rebound. Teamwise, Rib Lake pulled down 31 rebounds. “Offensively we got multiple shots by hitting the boards,” Wayne Mann said. “We had a short period with a little trouble breaking their full-court pressure, but once we settled down, we handled their press.”

Rib Lake’s recent momentum could provide for an interesting test Friday when the Lady Redmen welcome Abbotsford to town for a 7:15 p.m. Marawood North matchup. The Falcons, who split two matchups with Rib Lake a year ago, come in with a 2-2 Marawood Conference record and a 5-2 mark overall. Rib Lake is 1-2 in league play.

“We have a lot of positives to build on as we look to take on Abbotsford on Friday,” Mann said.

Rib Lake’s Dec. 10 matchup with Marathon was postponed to Friday, Jan. 14. After Friday’s game, the Redmen are off until a Jan. 3 non-conference game at Colby.