High school girls' basketball: No. 2 Wolves clobber Devils

SPRINGVILLE — So far, the Riverton Silverwolves have met every goal they've set for themselves, but it's an all new season starting next week for 5A's No. 2-ranked squad. The team now finds itself 11-0 heading into Region 3 action.

"We're content with the way we're playing, and we feel like we've played a good mix of teams, but this isn't March Madness. A selection committee won't put us in the tournament. We have to go out there and win region now," said Riverton coach Ron Ence.

But he also didn't want to discount the spectacular effort his girls put forth in their preseason contest against 4A's No. 3 Springville team after they went onto the Red Devils' home court and took care of them 84-53.

It wasn't just one aspect of the game that the Riverton girls did well, they simply outplayed Springville in every way — especially in the second half, when they outscored the Red Devils 46-25 and blew things away early enough to play reserves through most of the fourth quarter.

It wasn't just a single girl who put the Silverwolves over the top, it was a truly balanced effort and an inside-outside game that wore the Red Devils down. Four players scored in double digits for the Silverwolves, and six recorded eight points or more as not only did the huge height advantage for Riverton give them a big advantage in the middle and on the boards, but their shooting was also solid from most any area on the court.

The Silverwolves drained six treys by four different players, and Dani Lockhardt used the reverse lay up to her advantage over and over again throughout the contest.

"Dani is really active around the basket, and she has great hand-eye coordination," said Ence.

Chelsea Sorensen finished with 19 points to lead Riverton, and Lockhardt wasn't far behind with 18 as both girls pulled down myriad boards and overpowered the Springville inside game. Alle Finch added a pair of treys and 13 points, and Shelby Ostler put 10 points on the board with two treys of her own. Bri Campbell scored nine and Shaye Murphy added eight in the balance only Riverton can bring.

"This was a monster win in preparation for region, and the girls deserve all the credit. They are playing so well. They're such a fun team to coach," Ence said about his team, which really hasn't been challenged so far this season, even in playing a tough schedule.

Meanwhile, the Springville Red Devils, who already played one game in Region 7 action and took an easy victory in that one, played without point guard Holli Averett against Riverton. Averett was out for precautionary reasons after hitting her head in the game on Tuesday against Timpview. With her history of concussions, the team decided to play it safe rather than sorry, and she's expected to be back for region play next week.

Lexi Eaton led the Red Devils after dealing with foul trouble through most of the first half. She came on strong in the fourth and finished with a game-high 21 points. Ashley Kroneberger added 15 to the scoreboard, and Sadie Clements finished with 14.

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