MUSCODA - The Chieftain boys’ basketball team played two home games this past week, and continued to show outstanding improvement.
On Tuesday night, they went against North Crawford and played an outstanding first half. In that half, the Chieftains played excellent team defense, highlighted by great communication and played very unselfishly on offense. This unselfish play led to uncontested shots and Riverdale used the 3-point shot to take an early lead. Riverdale was able to hit on 10 three-point baskets during the first half, led by Dakota Fiebranz with four and Ethan Haffner with three. Michael Schaefer and Fiebranz did a great job distributing passes to others shooters as they totaled 11 assists between them. The team executed a perfect play to end the first half that ended with a 3-pointer by Haffner and the Chieftains went into halftime leading North Crawford by a score of 41-26.
The second half proved to be a different story for Riverdale. Turnovers by the Chieftains allowed North Crawford to claw their way back into the game. Riverdale struggled to get open shots and also lacked the great communication that aided them in the first. Unfortunately, North Crawford took the lead late in the game, but after Jeffrey Anderson connected on a three-point play, Riverdale found themselves only down by one. Forced to foul with only :12 seconds left, Riverdale was hoping for a little luck, but North Crawford hit both of their free throw attempts. Needing three points to tie, the Chieftains were unable to connect on their final attempt.
Final: North Crawford – 62, Riverdale – 59
Scoring: Dakota Fiebranz – 25; Ethan Haffner – 18; Jefferey Anderson – 6; Ty Hougan - 4; Dawson Mueller – 3; Cody Sperry – 3
Leading Rebounders: Michael Schaefer – 7; Cody Sperry - 5
Vs. Cuba City
On Friday night, the boys’ basketball team had a home game against perennial powerhouse Cuba City. The boys were definitely ready to play, as they played aggressive on defense to help keep Cuba City from scoring at will. Both teams had to work hard to get any baskets to fall. Each team forced the other into multiple turnovers during the first half. The Chieftains received balance scoring from its team in the first, but still found itself down by seven heading into halftime with a score of 23-16. Many teams may find themselves happy only being down by seven, but Riverdale wanted the win. They knew they’ have to play better basketball in order to make this happen.
In the second half, Riverdale made some slight adjustments, and it proved advantageous immediately. Making crisp, fast passes Riverdale attacked the rim more effectively, and was able to get more scores closer at the rim, led by Cody Sperry with 10 points in the half. Late in the game, Riverdale scored a basket to tie the score at 42-42. As the home crowd went wild, the boys knew they their opponents on their heels. After a Riverdale turnover turned into Cuba City points, the Chieftains were forced to foul to try and get the ball back as Cuba City stalled to run out the clock. In the end, the game was much closer than the score showed due to having to foul, and Cuba City showing the ability to hit their shots from the charity stripe.
Final: Cuba City – 60, Riverdale – 46
Scoring: Cody Sperry; Michael Schaefer – 11; Ethan Haffner – 7; Dawson Mueller - 7; Dakota Fiebranz – 6
Leading Rebounders: Cody Sperry – 15; Michael Schaefer - 4
