Dec 3, 2024, 6:16 AM CST
The Ithaca boys basketball team won 77-46 over Riverdale on Monday night in the Bulldogs home opener. The host team never trailed on the way to a 46-21 lead at halftime. A year ago Ithaca won a share of the Ridge and Valley conference title and with a large share of returning players, they showed flashes of a year ago.
Junior Devin Ihm had a game high 25 points and Senior Sammy Clary added 24 as the Bulldogs improved to 1-1 and bounced back after a loss to perennial power Royall on the opening night of the season. Cody Byrnes added 8, Casey Pomering had 7 points, Wes Nelson totaled 6, Keegan Jones had 4, and Hewsten Boland had 3. Clary had 6 of the teams 7 three point baskets. Ithaca was a perfect 6 for 6 from the line.
Riverdale’s only returning starter from a year ago, sophomore Bevyn Dennis had 22 points including 4 three point baskets. Owen Blankenship scored 10, Enerel Gantugla added 7, Eli Campbell made a three pointer, Henry Drone and Jackson Bomkamp both scored 2. The Chieftains made 6 three pointers and were 6 for 9 from the line.
The JV. game belonged to Riverdale, 41-30 over Ithaca.
Following the 77-46 win, Ithaca will prepare for the Ridge and Valley conference opener on Thursday night at home against La Farge. Riverdale is now 0-2 to start the season. They will open the SWAL with a game at Iowa Grant on Thursday.
