Crusaders Come Up Short Against the Thorpes

The rival match in the packed fieldhouse. Photos by Colton Sierra '14. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Crusaders Come Up Short Against the Thorpes

By Kirkland Ross ‘14

On January 9th, the Red Cloud Crusaders (4-2) faced the same fate as the Lady 'Saders, losing to the Pine Ridge Thorpes (5-1) by a score of 46-67.

This rivalry match was the first game in over 20 years to be played on Red Cloud soil. Everyone was excited. “It was really great having it here,” said senior Ryan Hussman.

The first quarter had a slow start for both teams, ending 4-14. The score by halftime was 17-32 in favor of Pine Ridge. 

The second half came off without a hitch for the Crusaders as they outscored the Thorpes 16-15, but it was not enough to to catch them. The score at the beginning of the fourth quarter was 33-47. The Crusaders then gave all their all to finish the game, but Pine Ridge did not give up on their desire to win. The final score was 46-67. Pine Ridge became victorious. 

Even though the Crusaders trailed throughout, the game was always intense and the crowd was boisterous. Red Cloud managed an exciting surge in the third quarter to make things very interesting, especially when Pine Ridge's star player, Jeff Lebeau, fouled out early in the game. Red Cloud's leading scorer was Kobey O'Rourke, who finished with 18 points, followed by Bailey Pourier with ten. O'Rourke also contributed with seven rebounds.

Red Cloud faces Douglas today in a home game.