The Ritchie County Rebels will head out on the road to take on the Braxton County Eagles at 7:15 p.m. on Thursday. Ritchie County has been getting the ball to fall more lately as they've increased their point totals each of their last three games.
Last Tuesday, Ritchie County didn't have too much trouble with Doddridge County as they won 45-30.
Ritchie County relied on the efforts of Elsa Law, who posted eight points along with eight assists and seven steals, and Emily Bush, who went 5 of 8 en route to 11 points and five boards. Bush continues to improve, besting her previous point total in each of the last four games she's played. Another player making a difference was Rae Rupert, who had six points and 17 rebounds.
They weren't the only one working in the assists department: Ritchie County was working as a unit and finished the game with 13 assists. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their assist total in three consecutive contests.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Braxton County, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Friday. They blew past Clay County 46-17 on Monday. The victory was some much needed relief for the Eagles as it spelled an end to their three-game losing streak.
Braxton County found their leader in sophomore Rylan Criner, who dropped a double-double on ten points and 11 boards. Those 11 rebounds set a new season-high mark for Criner. Bailey Pritt was another key player, putting up eight points in addition to five boards and three steals.
Ritchie County's record is now 9-4. As for Braxton County, their record is now 4-7.
Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: Ritchie County has been crashing the rebounds this season, having averaged 39.1 boards per game. However, it's not like Braxton County struggles in that department as they've been averaging 27.3 rebounds. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we'll see if one team can grab an edge.
Ritchie County lost to Braxton County on the road by a decisive 69-50 margin in their previous meeting back in February of 2018. Can Ritchie County avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
