Gamblin finding groove at Riverton

RIVERTON — Moving to a new school for a senior year can be a scary prospect, but for Riverton's Kim Gamblin it could not have turned out better.

"I love it here," Gamblin said. "They welcomed me right from the start. I have been a part of the team and been included in everything."

The feeling is mutual as the 6-foot-1 Gamblin has been an impact player for the Silverwolves. Never was that more evident than in Thursday's 49-31 win over Taylorsville as Gamblin hit some key shots and made her presence felt inside as Riverton overcame a deficit to pull away for the win.

Both teams began play like there was a break from school and practice. There were missed shots, turnovers and uncharacteristically shaky basketball. Neither team had had as much practice time as the coaches would like, and it showed on the court.

Taylorsville played without its leading scorer Reisha Bullock. Without its star, the team struggled to score, but to the Warriors' credit, they played with the Silverwolves for much of the game. Taylorsville led the game at halftime, 20-19, and actually extended its lead to 27-20 early in the third quarter before Riverton began executing its offense.

Gamblin was a major reason that Riverton overcame the seven-point deficit. She hit two jump shots in a three-minute span during a 10-point run. She then hit a 3-point basket — the first of her career — and another jumper to open the third quarter. From there, Riverton never looked back.

"Kim Gamblin hit some big shots for us," said Riverton coach Ron Ence. "She's having a great year. She is really a good player and a wonderful addition to this team."

Gamblin, who moved with her family during the summer from Alta's boundaries to Riverton's, was the one scoring, but she was also quick to deflect credit to her teammates and coach.

"I just got some open looks because of the great plays coach runs," she said. "Taylorsville kept double-teaming Amanda (Hansen) down low, and so I just popped out and got the ball with a good chance to shoot it."

While the shots came in the flow of the offense, her 3-pointer surprised even her.

"It's the first one I shot all year. I didn't even know it was a three. I thought I was at around the foul line until I looked down," she said. Gamblin feels that her jump shot is the strong point of her game, and it is one of her favorite things about playing basketball.

"There is nothing better than the way it feels when the ball leaves your hand and you just know the ball is going in."

Gamblin finished with 13 points and led the team with nine rebounds. Sarah Blad came off the bench to score nine points, and Dayna Burgess and Shannon Hildreth each scored eight points for Riverton. Taylorsville was led by Tilisa Vakalahi's eight points in the loss.

Riverton is off to its best start in school history at 10-1, but coach Ence said the team is still a work in progress.

"We're looking better, but nobody fears us," he said. "We can play and be competitive every night, but we know that we are not a powerhouse."

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E-mail: mblack@desnews.com