In a matchup between two of the top ranked teams in Class 5, the end result failed to live up to the hype as the RBHS girls basketball team dominated the Hickman Kewpies 60-25 to claim their third straight district championship title.  The Bruins, who improved to 23-3 on the year, were led by 14 points from junior guard Sophie Cunningham.  She was joined in double figures by sisters Bri and Cierra Porter who poured in 11 and 10 points respectively.

The Bruins opened the game in dominating fashion, scoring the first 18 points of the contest.  The Kewpies, who lost only their second game of the season,  clearly were bothered by the Bruins’ press defense.  They continually committed turnovers, and struggled to advance the ball into the frontcourt let alone score.  Hickman’s high scorers, Kendahl Adams and Morgan Jones, only scored 6 points each.  Star guard Emily Miller, who averages 18 points per game was held to only 2.

“We just wanted to come out with tons of energy and pressure to make them feel as uncomfortable as possible,” senior Bri Porter said.  “It’s special to win this game because we have such a large group of upperclassmen, and we know that each of these games are potentially the last time we’ll ever play together.”

The win gave the Bruins their third district championship title in a row and advances RBHS to the Sectional championship v. Washington on Wednesday in Camdenton. Porter said that while her team wants to take it one game at a time, a third straight state championship is the ultimate goal.

“A 3peat has been our goal all season,” Porter said. ” It’d be awesome if we were able to do it.”
By Josh Ripley