Basketball Recap: Ellinwood Proves Higher State Rank Is No Mistake

Ellinwood lost to Victoria back in January of 2024, but they didn't allow them the same satisfaction on Tuesday. The Ellinwood Eagles took down the Victoria Knights 50-33. Given the Eagles' advantage in MaxPreps' Kansas basketball rankings (they are ranked 89th, while the Knights are ranked 238th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.

Ellinwood found their leader in freshman Ayla Ritchie, who dropped a double-double on 11 points and 11 boards. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Ritchie has scored all season. The team also got some help courtesy of Alyvia Batchman, who posted six points and eight rebounds.

Ellinwood smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 22 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive rebounds in 12 consecutive matches.

Ellinwood's victory bumped their record up to 12-2. As for Victoria, they have also been struggling recently as they've lost four of their last five games, which put a noticeable dent in their 6-8 record this season.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Ellinwood will venture away from home to take on Hoisington at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Ellinwood is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 53.6 points per game this season. As for Victoria, they will head out to square off against Macksville at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Macksville has been getting the ball to fall more lately as they've increased their point totals each of their last three games.