Broncos reach semifinals

RITZVILLE – Lind-Ritzville/Sprague opened its potential run at a district championship by taking on the Northwest Christian (Colbert) Crusaders in the first round of playoffs Saturday, Feb. 2, in the fieldhouse at West Valley high school.

Both the Broncos and Crusaders met once in the regular season, with the Broncos coming away with the 59-55 victory.

The 4-point victory for the Broncos against the Crusaders was a larger score-differential than when the teams met Saturday, as the Broncos held off a late charge by the Crusaders, to win 48-45.

The Broncos took a 21-9 first quarter lead, before leading 31-19 at halftime.

Northwest Christian struggled to stop Zoe Galbreath offensively through three quarters, and the Broncos were stellar on the defensive end through three, taking a strong lead into the fourth quarter, leading 35-28. The Broncos scored just four points in the third quarter, and the Crusaders scored nine.

In the final period of play, the Crusaders would mount a comeback, scoring with the clock stopped while producing stops against the Broncos to tie the game late in the quarter.

Lind-Ritzville/Sprague would pull away in the end with key free throws and defensive possessions to secure the 3-point victory, setting up a semifinal match with the Colfax Bulldogs.

Zoe Galbreath led all scorers with a huge 25 points. Saige Galbreath had 13for Lind-Ritzville/Sprague.

Harley Hennings had 6points, and Danika Cox scored 2points off the bench, the only bench points for the Broncos.

The Broncos will now meet the Colfax Bulldogs, who are undefeated in district play, and coming off a dominating first round victory over Kettle Falls.

The match between the Bulldogs and Broncos will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 7, in West Valley, with tip-off set for 8 p.m.