River Valley boys lose on the road

The River Valley High School boys varsity basketball team had a busy and disappointing week last week. River Valley faced three teams and were met with three losses.  The boys started their week in Reedsburg facing the Beavers. River Valley had 22 points to Reedsburg’s 23 at the half, but was not able to catch the Beavers. In the second half Reedsburg added 31 points to River Valley’s 26 giving the Beavers the 54-48 win. Tyler Nachreiner was the top scoring boy for the Blackhawks with 19 points.  Friday night the boys traveled to the only conference game of the week against Platteville. The Hillmen took the lead from the start ending the first half 20-29 in the lead. River Valley rallied, but it wasn’t enough to catch Platteville who won the game 55-52. Preston Hying was the top scoring Blackhawk with 19 points, followed by Landen Alt with 10 points.  “I was pretty upset with the Platteville game, as I thought that was a very winnable game,” said River Valley head coach Luke Thatcher. “They had a couple players return from football injuries, that completely changed the dynamics of their team. I thought they elevated their game, and I don’t feel like we played to our abilities. We really need to improve our offensive attack, and I believe that starts with our chemistry.” Saturday had the boys in Mineral Point. Zach Gloudeman put up 23 points and Hying added 14 points. However, that was not enough to defeat the Pointers, who won 70-60. “I was much more pleased with our efforts at Mineral Point,” said Thatcher. “I really feel like this game could be the catalyst for the direction we got as a team. After a tough overtime loss at Platteville, to faceoff against a top 10 team on the road is a tough task. I thought the kids played with effort and gelled much better. We went into the half with all five starters on the bench due to foul trouble, but our bench stepped up and kept the game close. At the end of the day we tipped our hat as Point hit their free throws down the stretch to extend the lead and put us away.” This takes River Valley to an overall record of 3-4. This week the boys travel to Lancaster Friday night for a conference match up on the road.  “As far as the season goes, we are not as far along as I’d hoped we’d be in terms of development,” said Thatcher. “That being said, I’m very grateful we get the opportunity to compete. I know for myself, it feels great to get in the gym and work to improve every day. For that brief time, we don’t worry about the pandemic or politics. We get a break from the real world, and only get to focus on a game.”