PHOTOS by Mark Andreasen / CLICK to enlarge and view at your own pace.

By Cort Reynolds

ADA–The Ada High School boys basketball team handed visiting Blanchard Valley Conference foe Riverdale its first loss by a 48-43 count on Friday, December 12.

The Bulldogs jumped to a 12-6 lead after the first quarter and held on to record the big conference victory. Ada hit six straight clutch foul shots in the fourth quarter to keep the Falcons at bay and seal the verdict.

“We didn’t play great, but we made enough plays down the stretch to win,” said Ada head coach Chris Sautter. “We battled through foul trouble, and got contributions from everyone off the bench to help us get the win.”

Ada improved to 3-1 overall and 2-0 in the BVC with the home victory. Meanwhile, the Falcons fell to 3-1 and 1-1 in BVC play after the road loss.

Senior Zack Zimmerman led all scorers with 17 points and three triples. Junior Carson Conley contributed 13 markers as he canned all five of his foul shots.

“Zack and Carson were a combined 6-6 from the free throw line down the stretch,” Sautter noted.

Ada senior Kayleb Hickman added five markers.

Hayden Scott topped Riverdale with 15 points. Cale Young and Grant Inbody tallied 10 points apiece. 

The Bulldogs canned 11 deuces and drilled five triples. Ada converted 11 free throws.

Riverdale connected on 14 deuces and drained just two treys. The Falcons sank nine foul shots.

Ada hosts unbeaten former Northwest Conference rival Lincolnview (4-0) on Saturday night, Dec. 13. The Lancers routed highly-regarded Lima Central Catholic 61-45 Friday.

“We are going to have to play much better Saturday night against a very good Lincolnview team,” Sautter warned.

The Bulldogs entertain MAC foe New Knoxville (2-3) on Tuesday, Dec. 16. The Rangers lost to Coldwater Friday, 50-35.

Ada 48 (3-1, 2-0 BVC)

Oldfield 1-0-2, Hickman 2-0-5, Zimmerman 5-4-17, Stauffer 1-0-2, Conley 4-5-13, Zoladz 2-0-4, Allen 1-0-3, Griffith 2-0-4.

Totals: 11-5/11/48. 3-pointers: Zimmerman 3, Allen 1, Hickman 1.

R’dale 43 (3-1, 1-1 BVC)

Alge 1-0-3, Haley 1-3-5, Inbody 4-2-10, Young 4-1-10, Scott 6-3-15. 

Totals: 14-2/9/43. 3-pointers: Young 1, Alge 1.

JV: Ada 41, Riverdale 18.