POLAND VICTORIOUS IN CLASH WITH RAIDERS

Two girls basketball powerhouses met in Poland on Monday as the Bulldogs hosted South Range. Last season these teams were one and two in the final NE8 standings, although both matchups between the two were double figure wins for Poland. That would not be the case this time as Poland scratched and clawed to a close 37-29 win.

It was a back and forth game of runs. Poland opened the game fast on a 10-2 run and looked to be cruising. The majority of the 2nd quarter belonged to South Range though as Bree Kohler got a couple of steals and fast break layups in a 14-5 run taking a 16-15 lead. Poland would not be silenced however as they ended the first half on a 7-0 run to take a 22-16 lead into the locker room.

The Raiders came out swinging to open the third. They spurted out to a 7-0 run themselves to go-ahead 23-22. Poland responded yet again however, they answered the Raiders run with an 11-0 one to close out the third frame.

With a ten point lead going into the final frame Poland looked poised for a win. But the scrappy Raiders team would not go away. They made it 33-29 closing quick before Poland’s defense locked down during the final stretch. Four free throws would seal the deal for the Bulldogs and they escaped a physical fight with the Raiders 37-29.

Jackie Grisdale led the Bulldogs with 17 points and 8 rebounds. Lizzy Herdman has a strong night on the boards with 9 rebounds. Morgan Kluchar was also in double figures with 12.

Izzy Lamparty was the statistical leader for the Raiders with 10 points 5 rebounds. Bree Kohler added 8.

South Range returns to action Thursday as they host Hubbard.

Poland gets back on the floor Saturday as they host Boardman as part of the United Way Classic. Their trip is scheduled for approximately 5:15.