Russell Splits at Smith Center

Girls: Smith Center 41, Russell 25
Boys: Russell 58, Smith Center 36

The Russell High School girls basketball team traveled to Smith Center on Tuesday, January 12 and lost 41-25.

The Lady Broncos battled back from an early Lady Red lead to hold a 13-10 advantage after one quarter. However, Smith Center reclaimed the lead in the second period and led 21-17 at halftime. Russell scored only one point in the third stanza and the Lady Red pulled away, leading 31-18 heading into the final frame and never looking back.

Aniya Stierlen led Russell with 12 points, eight rebounds and five blocks.

Tallon Rentschler paced Smith Center with 14 points and 10 boards.

Russell committed 28 turnovers and the Lady Red turned the ball over 22 times.

Smith Center outrebounded Russell 27 to 23, but the Lady Broncos won 10 to 9 on the offensive glass.

The Russell girls fall to 3-5 overall and 1-3 in the Mid-Continent League.

The Russell boys controlled their game from start to finish and won 58-36.

The Broncos led 21-5 after the first quarter, 32-18 at the half and 41-28 after three periods. Russell pulled away in the fourth quarter.

Jordayn Buhrle led Russell with 12 points. Jackson Cross and Briar Ulrich each scored 10 points.

Griffin Kugler led the Redmen with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Russell outrebounded Smith Center 30 to 24 and seven to five on the offensive caroms.

The Russell boys improve to 4-4 overall and 2-2 in the MCL.

The Lady Broncos and Broncos next begin competition in the MCL mid-season tournament on Saturday, January 16. The tournament schedule and seeding will be announced Wednesday.