From Deseret News archives:
High school girls basketball: Reserves spark Riverton
"The pressure was so tight inside on Dani (Lockhart) and Chelsea (Sorensen) that we had to score," said Ostler, who came off the bench and helped get the Silverwolves' prolific offense started in the first quarter. The senior, who also plays soccer, scored five of her 12 points in the first quarter when Bingham's defense helped the Miners jump out to an early lead.
"Shelby and Shaye came off the bench and really provided a spark for us," said Riverton coach Ron Ence. "They're great seniors doing their part to keep this team moving forward. We needed a good, tough game and Bingham gave it to us."
The Miners gave Riverton about all they could handle in the first half. Led by senior Malorie Dixon, who finished with 10 points, Bingham jumped out to a 8-2 lead in the first three minutes. That's when Riverton coach Ron Ence called a time-out.
"I didn't think we got off to a bad start as much as Bingham got off to a great start," Ence said. "They took us away from the basket the first five minutes of the game."
That's when high-scorer Alle Finch, who finished with 15 points, and Ostler took over. Ostler hit a huge, momentum-building 3 and Finch hit back-to-back free throws to put Riverton within one at 11-10 at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter was more of the same, with Ostler hitting another 3-point shot. Meanwhile, Murphy, Sorensen and Lockhart began grinding out an inside game.
"I am really happy about the win," said Murphy, admitting she doesn't worry about whether she starts or comes off the bench. "We're a team. We just go out and do what we do. I just contribute what I have. We just work as a team."
Ostler said she prefers to come off the bench.
"I prefer it," she said. "I get really nervous if I start."
She did acknowledge feeling a bit more pressure coming into the game with the score in favor of the other team.
"I really did," she said smiling. "It was just, the guards had to score because of the inside pressure. I was a little worried about some of those shots."
Ashley Hildreth hit a 3-pointer just before halftime giving Riverton a 21-17 lead. The Silverwolves never looked back, and while they owned the momentum and continued to extend their lead, Ence said he never really felt comfortable.
"The lead gradually happened," he said. "I felt like I was coaching a four or five point game the whole time."
He was pleased with how consistent his team played, regardless of who was on the floor — even when Bingham made its runs.
"I thought we weathered the storms well," he said. "Our seniors just met the challenge tonight. We just played good half-court defense. We're not a really fancy team."
Sorensen earned 10 points, while Murphy and Lockhart finished with eight points.
Taeja Afalava helped Bingham with nine points in the loss.
E-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com
