Kickapoo defeated Rolla, 91-70 (Greg French / February 14, 2012) |
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- A close first quarter on Tuesday night seemed to indicate that Kickapoo would be in for a tough game against the visiting Rolla Bulldogs, but the Chiefs' superior talent took over in the second quarter and Kickapoo breezed to the 91-70 Ozark Conference victory.
Kickapoo played with an extra degree of emotion, as the Chiefs' seniors were playing their last game on their home court. Rolla managed to stay with Kickapoo in the first quarter, as Mike Miller hit some key baskets to keep the Bulldogs within 20-16 after one quarter of play.
Ryan Rippee and the rest of the Chiefs would take over in the second quarter, however, as Kickapoo outscored Rolla 27-13 to take a commanding 47-29 lead at halftime. Ryan Rippee scored 17 first half points for Kickapoo, which included a nice alley-oop dunk.
The pace of the game would slow down considerably in the second half, as Kickapoo sought to maintain its double digit lead. Kickapoo, despite slowing its usually fast pace of play with the lead, still outscored Rolla 20-17 in the third quarter to take a comfortable 67-46 lead going into the fourth quarter.
Kickapoo's seniors were all taken out in the last minutes of the fourth quarter by coach Dick Rippee, in order to allow the Kickapoo faithful one more opportunity to applaud their efforts. Rolla played hard in the fourth quarter and had its best offensive output of the game, as both Rolla and the Chiefs scored 24 points apiece.
Kickapoo still easily secured the 91-70 Ozark Conference victory over Rolla, however, as Ryan Rippee scored 29 points in leading the Chiefs to the win. Tyler Bussel added 13 points for the Chiefs, and Ryan Thornhill scored 16. For Rolla, Mike Miller had a great game in which he scored 24 points and hit five three pointers.
