Putting together a three-game winning streak, coach Michael DiPadova and his River Ridge girls’ basketball team improved to 5-8 in Six Rivers conference action and 11-10 overall with recent victories over Riverdale and Highland.

With just three games remaining on their regular-season schedule, the Lady Timberwolves will follow up this past Tuesday night’s home game against Belmont, with road games at Wauzeka-Steuben (Feb. 16) and Potosi/Cassville (Feb. 19).

In non-conference action last Tuesday night, coach DiPadova’s Timberwolves overcame a 28-23 halftime deficit to defeat visiting Riverdale, 62-50.

The Timberwolves got defensive in the second half, where they applied more pressure and outscored the Chieftains 39-22.

“We had a game plan to gradually bring pressure and force some confusion, and our girls did a great job of executing,” said coach DiPadova.

After scoring eight points in the first half, River Ridge’s Ava Nies dropped 10 in the second, finishing with a game-high 18 points.
Adayah Groom was close behind with 15, scoring nine in the second half, while Erin Adrian finished with 14, all but one coming in the second half.

On the following Thursday night, the Timberwolves avenged a 60-33 loss to Highland back on Jan. 8, with a 60-45 victory over the visiting Cardinals.“It was our most complete game of the season,” said coach DiPadova of Thursday night’s victory. “I was very proud of our girls for staying after it and never backing down. It was over a 40-point swing compared to our first matchup with the Cardinals.”

Holding a slim lead of 29-25 over their opponent at the intermission, the Timberwolves outscored the Cardinals 31-20 in the second half to secure a 15-point victory.

With a balanced scoring attack that saw three players finish in double figures, the Timberwolves were led by Ava Nies and her 17 points, followed by Adayah Groom with 14 and Erin Adrian with 12.