After the 2018 portion saw more than their fair of hard-to-swallow losses, the 2019 part of the campaign started with a bit of a bang for the Bridgeport High School girls basketball team.

 

On Friday, the Indians managed to roll to a 75-38 Big 10 Conference win against visiting Preston by a 75-38 score. The win moved BHS to 6-4 on the year, while the Knights fell to 7-2.

 

“I felt better after the Preston game. We played a lot better and really closed the game out, which was a problem in some of our earlier losses,” said BHS Coach Dennis Hutson.

 

While there were many factors in Bridgeport’s win, it’s hard to discount the showing by senior Emily Riggs. Riggs continued her torrid play by nearly outscoring the nights. She finished with 31 points on 10-for-18 shooting for the Tribe.

 

“She just playing extremely well and understands the game so well because he’s so smart … If you over play her on one side, she’ll go the other and that’s just one example. She wants to score and can do that at about any time,” said Hutson.

 

In fact, she has scored enough that she’s currently approaching 1,000 career points. Hutson said she needs 38 points to hit that mark and, based on her average, should get that in her next two games.

 

“If she hadn’t missed nine games due to injury with us she would have already had it,” said Hutson.

 

Against the Knights, Bridgeport led early and often. The club was up 21-9 after one and were up 33-22 at the half. Although the Indians slowly added to its advantage and were up 47-31 heading into the final segment, any hopes of the Knights coming back were erased with a 28-7 fourth quarter in favor of the hosts.

 

“To outscore them 28-7 in the fourth was impressive, especially considering we were pulling players,” said Hutson.

 

BHS had one other player in double figures as Hannah Bartlett scored 10 points for the hosts. Laruen Riffle added nine points and Rory Marple finished with eight.

 

“We’ve got to continue to get contributions from others beyond Emily because we’re seeing box in ones and zone defenses shading to her so we need kids to step up and get several, like against Preston, that are in double figures or near double figures,” said Hutson. “The thing is, we have kids that can do that.”

 

What the Indians haven’t had most of the season is depth. And that took another blow when point guard Maddie Wilson went down with what Hutson said was a knee injury.

 

“It’s an unknown injury and we’re awaiting further diagnosis,” said Hutson. “Maddie’s been through a lot so we hope it’s nothing serious and she can join us in the near future.”

 

Bartlett will step into Wilson’s role. The Indians will be boosted by the return of Hannah Spurlock who is expected back from a shoulder injury suffered in December, who Hutson said will bring some senior leadership and energy to the floor. He’s hopeful she’ll be ready to go in the club’s next outing.

 

Bridgeport is back in action Wednesday. The Indians will visit Grafton in another Big 10 matchup at 7:30 p.m. Highly touted North Marion visits BHS Friday, also at 7:30 p.m.
 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Emily Riggs driving strong to the basket, while bottom photo sees Hannah Bartlett driving to the basket for two of her 10 points. Photos by Joey Signorelli of www.benqueenphotography.com.