Kaden Risenhoover of Grand drives the lane against Altamont’s Waylon Jessen (32) on Dec. 12. Risenhoover, who was called for an offensive foul on the play, finished with a team-high 24 points as the Red Devils posted a 73-53 victory. Photo by Jeff Richards
“It’s always important to win home games. It’s always a team goal.” said GCHS head coach Brook Shumway.
According to Shumway, the Red Devils took the lead early on in the first half of the contest and held on to it throughout the game.
“When we started, we jumped out on them six or eight to nothing. The [points] lead went up and down, but we kept it.” said Shumway.
At halftime, the Red Devils tightened up their defense to maintain and increase their lead over Altamont. Ultimately, the Red Devils managed to build up a 20-point lead over the Longhorns by the end of the contest.
Grand’s starting varsity team included seniors Adam Jenkinson, Kaden Risenhoover, Koi Cook, Hunter Stitzer and Trevor Bertuzzi.
Risenhoover and Jenkinson were the top scorers for Grand, adding 24 and 22 points, respectively, to the Red Devils’ total. The game against the Longhorns was a varsity contest only, with the junior varsity and freshman boys cheering on their team from the sidelines. Shumway said the Red Devil team was inspired by the fans who attended the game.
“At home games, your fans are there. You’ve got the crowd, and the kids want to play well,” Shumway said.
The Red Devils were scheduled to play the Monticello Buckaroos on Tuesday, Dec. 17 in Monticello. The basketball squad is also preparing for its home game against the Green River Pirates on Thursday, Dec. 19.
The Red Devils will then begin their winter moratorium, and 2014 games are scheduled to resume on Friday, Jan. 3.