Basketball Recap: Leah Mckelvey's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Smith Center over Ellis

Smith Center was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their fourth straight loss. They took a 49-34 bruising from the Ellis Railroaders. The Redmen were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Railroaders apparently hadn't forgotten their defeat the last time these teams played back in January of 2024.

Smith Center lost despite a true team effort on offense, the best among them being Leah Mckelvey, who posted five points and seven rebounds.

Redmen

Previous 4 Games

01/10/25 @ Ellis	34-49
12/20/24 @ Oakley	42-55
12/17/24 vs Washington County	51-59
12/14/24 @ Phillipsburg	25-56

Even though they lost, Smith Center smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 13 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive boards in three consecutive games.

Ellis got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Isabella Eck out in front who went 7 for 17 en route to 21 points in addition to six boards and three steals. Those 21 points gave Eck a new career-high. Addison Kohl was another key player, putting up 15 points.

Smith Center's loss dropped their record down to 2-5. As for Ellis, they now have a winning record of 4-3.

Smith Center wasted no time getting back out on the court and has already played their next matchup, a 61-53 win against Russell on the 14th. Ellis has also already played their next contest, a 40-35 victory against LaCrosse on the 14th.