Ronan close to wins

RONAN — After a tie game at the half, the Ronan girls’ basketball team ended with a three-point loss last Tuesday against Superior.

Ronan was down 6-3 before a 12-point second quarter tied the game.

“We had several opportunities to win it and couldn’t make a shot,” head coach Doug Fisher said.

Rebounding was a strong point for the Maidens as juniors Tailyr Irvine, Alice VanGunten and Jonna Grant were solid under the net.

“We just had trouble putting the ball in the basket,” Fisher said.

Junior Taylor Lynch led with 10 points and Grant added six.

Against Whitefish on Thursday, Ronan lost a close game 42-36, with VanGunten leading with 11 points and Grant and sophomore Ashley Grandchamp each adding eight.

“We out played them at both ends, but missed six shots going into the half,” Fisher said.

The missed shots forced Ronan to foul Whitefish in order to get the ball back, but the Maidens couldn’t make a basket.

Fisher said offense is the last thing that develops in a player.

“Defense comes down to having heart and playing hard,” Fisher said. “My team has that. Offense takes longer with different reads out of sets and where everybody should be.”

Ronan hosts Libby on Saturday, where the Maidens look to have a strong rebounding game while limiting Jackie Mee.

Last time Ronan faced Libby, the Maidens held Mee tight during the first quarter, but she got away for the rest.

“We had success last time in the first,” Fisher said. “There’s not a lot you can do when someone’s on fire.”