RONAN BOYS BBALL ROUNDUP: On the brink

RONAN - The Ronan Chiefs got 11 points from Robbie "Le Bourreau"

Gauthier, but couldn't withstand a second-half rally by Loyola,

falling at home 47-42 on Tuesday, Dec. 20.

"Turnovers and free throws were the difference," said Ronan head

coach Steve Woll. "When you turn the ball over 22 times, your

expectations dwindle and when you go 4-9 from the foul line and

when they go 18-32, your chances aren't great."

RONAN - The Ronan Chiefs got 11 points from Robbie "Le Bourreau" Gauthier, but couldn't withstand a second-half rally by Loyola, falling at home 47-42 on Tuesday, Dec. 20.

"Turnovers and free throws were the difference," said Ronan head coach Steve Woll. "When you turn the ball over 22 times, your expectations dwindle and when you go 4-9 from the foul line and when they go 18-32, your chances aren't great."

Despite the turnover number, the free-throw disparity and Ronan's 0-15 shooting from 3-point range, the Chiefs were still in it the entire game.

They led 14-9 after the first and 24-21 at halftime before Loyola used a 13-6 third to take the lead. Ronan hung tough, but couldn't quite overcome the visitors as they fell to 2-3 overall and 0-2 in conference on the season.

Gauthier's 11 was the second-consecutive game he's scored in double figures.

"Robbie did a good job of taking the ball to the basket," Woll said. "He found gaps in their zone."

Brady Oakland added eight points for Ronan, while Zach Wagner scored six. Rounding out the scoring for the Chiefs was Marley Tanner, with five, Marcus Hungerford as well as Robert Faoa, with four apiece and Edmond Dupuis along with Carston Baertsch with two each.

While Ronan has fallen in an early hole in conference play, Woll says there's a lot of basketball left to be played.

"There's a lot of journey to go," Woll said. "It's not a race, but we didn't put ourselves in the best position."

They may be 0-2 right now, but with both of those being very close losses, Ronan should be able to get right in the mix of the 6-B standings shortly after the break.

LOYOLA @ R.BOYS

Loyola - 9 - 12 - 13 - 13 - 47

Ronan - 14 - 10 - 6 - 12 - 42

Chiefs scoring - Robbie Gauthier 11, Brady Oakland 8, Zachary Wagner 6, Marley Tanner 5, Marcus Hungerford 4, Robert Faoa 4, Edmond Dupuis 2, Carston Baertsch 2