Grandey scores 1,000th

By Cort Reynolds

BLUFFTON – The Bluffton High School girls basketball team stymied non-conference local rival Pandora-Gilboa 51-29 on January 4.

The Bluffton defense limited the Rocket girls to just 14 points over the final three quarters to pave the way to victory. The hosts outscored P-G 26-5 over the middle periods to pull away and build a comfortable 18-point lead going into the fourth period. 

Pirate senior post Ayla Grandey surpassed a career milestone when she scored her 1,000th point early in the third period.

Bluffton improved to 7-4 overall after the convincing win. Pandora-Gilboa dropped to 5-5 after the defeat.

The Pirates trailed 15-12 after the opening quarter as Rocket Savannah Knueven bombed in three of her four triples. But a 16-3 second period put Bluffton ahead 28-18 at the half. 

Bluffton stymied P-G 10-2 in the third quarter to build a 38-20 lead heading into the final period. The Pirates won the fourth stanza, 13-9.

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Grandey scored 17 points on seven baskets and three of five foul shooting.

Freshman Maelee Miller netted nine markers. Jordan Schweingruber splashed two treys for six points, and Macy Schaadt also tallied six points. Gracie Warren scored five points, while Bluffton junior wing Blair Utendorf added four.

Knueven scored 16 points to pace P-G.

Bluffton connected on 16 deuces and drained five treys. The Pirates converted four of seven free throws (57 percent).

P-G sank just two two-point goals and drilled seven triples. The Rockets canned four of five foul shots (80 percent). 

The Pirate girls entertain WBL rival Shawnee (4-7) Tuesday, Jan. 7. Bluffton (0-1 NWC) then visits tough league foe Crestview (8-3, 2-1 NWC) Thursday evening.