Russellville loses battle for district title to New Bloomfield

Russellville's Haley Windsor shoots over a Lady Bulldog at the Class 2 District 8 Tourney Feb. 24.
Russellville's Haley Windsor shoots over a Lady Bulldog at the Class 2 District 8 Tourney Feb. 24.

After knocking out top-seeded Tipton in the semifinal round of the Class 2 District 8 Tournament Feb. 26 at Russellville High School, fourth-seeded Russellville went on to suffer a 55-33 loss to third-seeded New Bloomfield Friday in the contest for the district title.

"The district championship didn't go as planned," Russellville Coach David Volkart said. "The girls played hard, but we just couldn't get anything to fall. It was definitely one of those games where nothing went our way. I wish we could've pulled it out. The atmosphere was awesome, our student body did a great job."

The Lady Wildcats outscored the Lady Indians in each of the four quarters, 10-9, 8-3, 15-3 and 22-18 en route to the win. Russellville was led by Hannah Matthews with seven points, while A.J. Grellner and Haley Windsor each had six points, and Hannah Morrow added five.

New Bloomfield (15-11) was led by Bethany Craighead with 18 points, and Mykaela Bonnet with 15. New Bloomfield will play New Franklin (Class 2 District 7 champion) at 6 p.m. today (Wednesday) in Class 2 Sectional play at Jefferson City High School. Previously at the district tourney, Russellville (14-14) defeated fifth-seeded Stover 46-34 in the opening round Feb. 24 to advance to semifinals.

The Lady Indians outscored the Lady Bulldogs 10-7, 15-9, 10-8 and 11-10 to secure the win. Russellville was led by Grellner with 19 points and eight rebounds. Matthews and Adrianna Basnett each contributed eight points. In the semifinal round of the district tourney Feb. 26, Russellville defeated Tipton 64-59 to advance to the championship game.

The Lady Indians led 15-14 after one quarter, however, the Lady Cardinals had pulled ahead 35-29 at the half. Russellville outscored Tipton 19-9 in the third quarter and 16-15 in the fourth to claim the win.

Russellville senior Emma Koestner was injured during the semifinal contest.

"Emma broke her arm in the Tipton game," Volkart said.

The Lady Indians were led by Grellner with 18 points. Matthews had 16, Morrow had 14 and Justice Miller scored 12.

Tipton (21-6) was led by Caroline Combs with 16 points and Destiny Dowell with 13. Ashton Pace had 12.

"Overall we had a good year," Volkart said. "Our seniors will be missed. Thanks to all of the parents and fans for their continued support."