Grandey sets rebound record

By Cort Reynolds

MILLER CITY – The Bluffton High School girls basketball team went on the road and defeated tough non-conference foe Miller City 38-28 on December 28.

The visitors outscored Miller City 22-12 in the second half to break away from a halftime tie and emerge victorious by 10.

Pirate 6-2 senior post Ayla Grandey also set the program record for career rebounds in the win.

Bluffton improved to 6-4 overall after the impressive road victory. MC dropped to 8-3 after the Pirates handed them their first loss in six home games this season.

The Pirates led 10-5 after the opening quarter. The Wildcat girls rallied in the second period to tie it 16-16 after a low-scoring first half. 

Bluffton then took a 25-20 lead into the final period following a 9-4 third quarter. The Pirates captured the fourth period 13-8 by hitting five of their six free throw tries to clinch the win.

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Bluffton was led by junior wing Blair Utendorf’s 12-point effort on six baskets. Grandey scored nine markers behind seven of nine foul shooting. Freshman Maelee Miller added eight markers.

Gracie Warren, Grandey and Utendorf each scored four points in the crucial fourth period. Warren ended up with five markers.

Kiera Ruhe led MC with six points.

Bluffton connected on 14 deuces but hit no treys. The Pirates converted 10 of 13 free throws (77 percent), including nine of 11 in the second half.

MC sank nine two-point goals and hit two triples. The Wildcats canned four of six foul shots (67 percent). 

The Pirate girls host non-league foe Pandora-Gilboa (5-4) Saturday, January 4. They then entertain WBL rival Shawnee (4-6) Tuesday, Jan. 7.