Visiting Riverside made short work of the shorthanded Urbana girls basketball team on Monday, pulling away after halftime to win, 50-32, in non-league action.
Playing without senior star Hunter Rogan, Urbana struggled on both ends of the floor. Rogan sat out the contest with an ankle injury.
“It’s killer. Other kids have to step up,” UHS Coach Bill Moss said.
The Hillclimbers (7-11) built an early edge behind Bridget Ofori. Ofori had 8 points in the first quarter and pushed UHS to a 12-9 lead. She finished with 13 points and 9 rebounds for the game. Desi Johnson added 7 points in the effort and Madisyn Horn had 6 points and 4 rebounds.
“I thought Bridget played excellent. Her energy was excellent, getting on the boards and stuff,” Moss said.
But Riverside was able to rally in the second quarter, taking a 22-18 lead into the locker room.
The second half got ugly for Urbana, as Riverside hit some jumpers and took advantage of missed defensive gambles to finish off the Hillclimbers. The Pirates also hit the offensive glass hard, punishing the smaller ‘Climbers inside.
“It’s just size. And then we have to get the heart to box out and get to the ball,” Moss said. “Hopefully the young ones will find a gym and work on it.”
Riverside took a big margin into the fourth, 44-25. The Pirates didn’t score much in the final frame, electing to instead move the ball and use the clock on most possessions down the stretch.
“(Riverside) played well. They moved the ball well. They’ve got some kids that have been in the gym,” Moss said.
In the jayvee game, Urbana prevailed, 19-16. The teams played only two quarters, with Alaina Lyons scoring 9 points.
Urbana plays at Miami East on Thursday.
