Basketball Recap: Rice Lake Sets Scoring Season-High Against Merrill

Warriors

Team Score (Highest)

02/28/25 vs Merrill	86
02/07/25 vs Chippewa Falls	84
12/06/24 @ New Richmond	82
01/24/25 vs New Richmond	78
11/25/24 vs Rhinelander	78

It can be hard to translate regular season success to the playoffs, but Rice Lake had no problem doing just that on Friday. They simply couldn't be stopped as they easily beat the Merrill Bluejays 86-29. The Warriors' offense stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most points they've scored all season.

Rice Lake was led to victory by Addison Schmidt and Adaline Sheplee. Schmidt dropped a double-double with 20 points and ten rebounds, while Sheplee went 9-for-19 on her way to 19 points along with six assists and five boards. Sheplee has been hot for a while, having posted 15 or more points the last 17 times she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Sydney Schradle, who posted ten points and five boards.

Rice Lake smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 19 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive boards in 13 consecutive matchups.

Rice Lake's victory was their sixth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 20-5. The wins came thanks in part to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 72.8 points over those games. As for Merrill, they have traveled a rocky road recently having lost eight of their last nine games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 6-19 record this season.

Rice Lake will face off against Menomonie at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday. Rice Lake has been getting the ball to fall more lately as they've increased their point totals each of their last three games. Merrill does not have any more games scheduled as of now.