Lone Jack vs Rich Hill   12-3-20

The Rich Hill Tigers were finally able to take to the hardwood for the first time on Thursday night, to host the Lone Jack Mules. The last time the varsity boys were able to play was in the sectional playoffs against Golden City at Nevada in early March. Since that time so many things have happened it would be hard to explain. High schools have had to learn to adapt to new protocols for playing sports this year but thanks to dedicated administrations, athletic directors, coaches, players and parents, the season a little delayed was able to begin.

The Tigers started the season having to replace two starters who graduated from last year’s team and two weeks of quarantine. The quarantine delayed the start of the season by two weeks and in the process lost one game and had one reschedule. So the players were grateful to have the opportunity to get on the floor and play.

The game started out slow for the Tigers both offensively and defensively in the first quarter with the Mules taking a commanding lead 22-6 at the end of the period. Coach Moles kept making adjustments for his team and the second quarter went much better with the defense starting to tighten up and the offense holding their own. At half time the Tigers were trailing 34-19. The start of the second half the offense continued to improve but defensively Rich Hill let down a little and they found themselves trailing 38-60. In the final frame both coaches went freely to their benches and the final score saw the Tigers dropping the game to Lone Jack 43-73.

Despite the final score Coach Moles found several positives coming out of this game. The two week lay-off hurt the offensives timing but he was happy with their effort under the circumstances, several players have shown maturity that will grow with time during the season.

The Tigers next game will be on Monday night at home against their Highway A rivals the Hume Hornets. The JV boys will start at 5:30 followed by the Varsity girls and then the Varsity Boys.

The Tigers placed 8 players in the score book led by Clifton Bridgewater with 17 points, Bryce Yohe 6, Magal Chol-Case, Blake Laning, Adrien King, and Lucas Harwood with 4 each, Daylan Black 3, and Parker Collins 1.  Blake Laning came off the bench to lead in rebounding with 6 and Magal Chol-Case with 4.

The schedule this week will see the Tigers at home on Monday night against Hume. They will travel to Miami to make up the opening game of the season on Tuesday night and then be at home on Friday against Lockwood.  The WEMO tournament will be held at Rich Hill this year starting next Saturday.