SPORTS

Reading girls hoops’ winning streak comes to an end against Bronson

Joseph Flaherty
Hillsdale Daily News
Head coach Kevin Bailey talks to the Rangers during a timeout earlier in the season.

The Reading girls prep hoops squad, led by head coach Kevin Bailey, had won three conference games in a row to start the month of January. The Rangers headed into their battle with Bronson with a 6-3 record, looking to take down the 6-4 Vikings. The Rangers and the Vikings would battle it out for four quarters on Jan. 18, and the Vikings would emerge with the 54-31 victory.

This is the first loss for the team since December, and the first game since December that the Rangers were unable to score more than 40 points. 

The Rangers have now lost two regular season conference games this year. Their conference record remains at 4-2. 

The Rangers did not have a double digit scorer in the game, but they were led by Freshman Aubree Ervans who had nine points including one three-pointer. Senior Mallory Wheeler had eight points including four field goals. Senior Kaylee Williams had six points including three field goals. Emily Stewart, Aubree Pitts, and Taylor Engel each scored two points. 

The team only pulled in 30 rebounds in the contest. Aubree Ervans had a total of six rebounds including five defensive rebounds. Kaylee Williams and Ashlyn Tesh had three offensive rebounds. Williams had six total rebounds and Tesch had five total rebounds. Mallory Wheeler had three rebounds, and led the team with three steals and three assists. 

Turnovers were a big factor in Bronson adding to their lead. The Rangers had a total of 27 turnovers and had just 10 steals. However, the Rangers had four blocks in the game, led by Senior Laylee Williams with four, and Ashlyn Tesch with one. 

The week doesn't get any easier for the Kevin Bailey-led Rangers. They will host the state ranked Jonesville Comets, led by head coach Tom Dunn, who just defeated Springport to stay undefeated on the year. It will be the hardest test of the season yet for the Rangers, and the game is scheduled to be played this Friday, Jan. 21 at 7:00 p.m.