BY MICHAEL DAVID

In a rematch of the first game of the season, the Wood River Wolverines once again came out on top, defeating the Gooding Senators, this time in convincing fashion: 43-26.

Led by senior guard Blair Radford (15 points) and a balanced offensive attack, the Wolverines led wire-to-wire, scoring the game’s first seven points and never looking back.

Sophomore Haley Bjorkman (6 points) opened the game with two buckets in the paint and sophomore Patrea Topp (6 points) followed with a three-point shot to give Wood River a 7-0 lead. Radford hit a three-pointer of her own and a basket by sophomore Luci Cuellar (6 points) gave the Wolverines a 16-4 lead at the end of the first period.

The Lady Senators made a push in the second quarter, hitting two three-pointers and cutting Wood River’s lead down to five--26-21--by the half.

Coach Amanda Crist’s halftime speech must have emphasized defense as the Wolverines held the Senators scoreless in the third period, stretching their lead back to 11 points, or 32-21.

“We stress that everyone needs to contribute if we are going to be successful” said Radford after the game. 

The Wolverines kept their foot on the pedal in the fourth quarter, forcing Gooding into multiple turnovers, and outscoring the Senators by six, providing the final margin of victory.

Also scoring for Wood River: Audra Mary (4 points), Brittany Yagla (3 points), and Payson Bennett (3 points).

The win moves Wood River to a 4-3 record.

Next up for the Lady Wolverines are the Burley Bobcats on Tuesday, Dec. 13, at Wood River High School. Tip-off is 7:30 pm.