Ronan sees areas of improvement

POLSON — The Ronan girls’ basketball team was shown right where they are at last weekend in the Tip-off tournament.

“We are young and inexperienced,” head coach Doug Fisher said.

The Maidens faced Stevensville in their first game and struggled to match-up against the opponent.

“We went up against the best team in state,” Fisher said. “They are big and physical, mature and disciplined.”

Ronan managed 11 points in the fourth quarter in the 77-34 loss.

Sophomore guard Nina Orozco led Ronan with 11 free throws for 17 total points. Junior Alice Van Gunten had two rebounds and sophomore TyLynn Left Hand had four steals.

Ronan went on to face Corvallis last Saturday night and struggled, Fisher said of the 47-26 loss.

“They exposed what we need to work on,” Fisher said. “Transition defense and working through screens. These are all things we can fix.”

Orozco scored 12 points with six steals and junior Jonna Grant had six points.

Entering the tournament, the Maidens had practiced for 10 days, a disadvantage against teams that have many returners.

“After seeing the kids play and a full week of practice, we will get better,” Fisher said. “I think we can compete at a higher level.”

Ronan impressed Fisher with the way they approached the games, he said.

“They are buying into what we are saying,” Fisher said. “They are listening and working hard to correct things.”

Up next, the Maidens will host Hamilton tomorrow night before traveling to Mission on Saturday.