Basketball Recap: Heartland Lutheran Triumphs

Heartland Lutheran lost to Riverside back in January of 2024, but they didn't allow them the same satisfaction on Thursday. The Heartland Lutheran Red Hornets escaped with a win against the Riverside Chargers by the margin of a single free throw, 37-36.

Heartland Lutheran's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Ella Francl led the charge by putting up 13 points in addition to eight boards and four steals. Francl is on a roll when it comes to boards, as she's now pulled down eight or more in the last ten games she's played dating back to last season. The team also got some help courtesy of Abby VanBibber, who posted eight points along with 11 boards and three blocks.

Red Hornets

Offensive Rebounds

01/26/24 vs St. Edward	29
12/16/23 @ Harvard	24
12/07/23 @ Hampton	23
01/09/25 @ Riverside	20
12/21/24 vs Harvard	18

Heartland Lutheran smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 20 offensive boards. That's the most offensive rebounds they've posted since back in January of 2024.

Riverside's loss came despite strong showings from Tessa Weltruski and Grace Mahony. Weltruski put up 13 points and eight rebounds, while Mahony had five points in addition to 11 rebounds and five assists. The team also got some help courtesy of Addy Seamann, who posted five points.

Heartland Lutheran's record is now 4-7. As for Riverside, they are on a four-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 1-10.

Heartland Lutheran wasted no time getting back out on the court and has already played their next match, a 50-34 defeat against Silver Lake on the 11th. As for Riverside, they also didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next game, a 41-35 victory against Shelby-Rising City on the 10th.