Russell Splits First Road Test at Pratt

GIRLS: Russell 54, Pratt 50

BOYS: Pratt 75, Russell 54

PRATT-Rylan Reeves scored 16 points and Aniya Stierlen added 12 as the Russell Lady Broncos rallied from a four-point fourth quarter deficit to defeat Pratt 54-50 Tuesday evening in their first road contest of the 2020-21 season.

A pair of three-pointers in the first quarter helped the Greenbacks jump out to an early 8-2 lead before Russell found its footing and rallied back to lead 16-14 after the first eight minutes with Reeves and Kayla Noller each knocking down three-point baskets of their own.  The Lady Broncos took a six-point lead in the second quarter before Pratt rallied to tie the score 25-25 at intermission.

Reeves and Emerson Nichols each scored six points in the third quarter giving Russell a 41-36 advantage heading into the final period but the stubborn Greenbacks refused to fold as they used a 9-0 run to lead 45-41 with about six minutes remaining.  The Lady Broncos then took charge as Camille Dortland scored five of her eight points in the final eight minutes to spark a 13-5 run that gave Russell (3-2, 1-0 MCL) its third victory of the season.  Pratt (0-4, 0-1 CKL) had three players in double figures led by Gabby Gatlin's 15 points with Sian Helrich adding 12 and Jaycie Theis chipping in with 10.

In the Boys game, the Broncos started fast but Pratt recovered and used their height advantage and 10-three-pointers to fuel a 75-54 victory.

Russell scored the game's first four points before the Greenbacks relied on their inside game to rally for an 18-11 lead after the first quarter.  The two teams combined for 41 points in the second stanza but 25 of them belonged to Pratt as the Greenbacks led 43-27 at intermission.  Pratt knocked down four treys in the third quarter to build the margin to 58-35 and then cruised from there to the 21-point win.

Russell (3-2, 1-0 MCL) was led by 20 points from Jordayn Buhrle who was the only Bronco player to score in double figures.  Meanwhile, 10 different players scored for Pratt (3-2, 1-0 CKL) led by 22 points from Karter Hoeme.  Matthew Shanline added 13 while Micah Tatro had 10 points.

The Broncos and Lady Broncos will wrap up the pre-holiday portion of their schedules this Friday, December 18 when they step back into Mid-Continent League play with a road trip to Norton.  Tip-off for the Girls game is set for 6 p.m. with the Boys game to follow.  Both games can be heard on KRSL AM 990/98.1 FM and will be streamed online at krsl.com