Musketeers Improve to 5-2

The Musketeers took their 3-2 record into their first conference game on the road against the Steeleville Warriors. Red Bud previously fell to the Warriors in a 25-32 defensive battle, but the Musketeers were out for revenge. In the first quarter the Musketeers were off and running on the offensive side of the floor, knocking in close range shots, something that they failed to do in the previous week at the Trico Tournament. The Musketeers started the opening quarter on an 8-2 run, but after a couple of turnovers and defensive lapses, they found themselves down 8-12 at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter was a back and forth battle that resulted in a 16-19 deficit at halftime for the Musketeers. At the start of the second half, the Musketeers turned it up on defense, being in the gaps and making the Warrior’s turn the ball over in the half-court. Alex Birchler also began to take over for Red Bud on offense. Using his tall 6’4 frame, he was able to get to the basket and score the basketball. Even when he did not score, he was able to utilize the “up fake”, get fouled, and go to the line for a pair of free throws. The Musketeers defense only allowed four points in the third quarter, and took a 28-23 lead heading into the final quarter. The fourth quarter was the best quarter for the Musketeers offensively. Blake Cowell nailed a few free throws late in the game, and Cory Fithian was also able to knock down a mid-range jump shot from the short corner. Alex Birchler finished his night with 21 points and was a big part in the Musketeers defeating the Warriors 44-36.

The Musketeers did not play till Saturday, when they took on the Dupo Tigers. The Musketeers were again off and rolling on the offensive side of the floor, notching 13 points in the opening quarter. Griffin Ziebold was making his offensive presence shown, scoring 11 first half points, and leading the Musketeers to a 20-13 lead at halftime. The second half of this game was closer than the Musketeers would have liked. The Tigers were able to put a little heat on Red Bud defensively, and force them into turning the ball over. Even though the Musketeers have struggled from the charity stripe for most of the season so far, they were able to go 10-13 in the fourth quarter. Red Bud was able to keep their composure, play hard, and scrap out a 45-38 victory over the Tigers. Red Bud was lead in scoring by Ziebold with 18, closely followed by Birchler with 14. The Musketeers again showed their grit and grind on the defensive side, holding their opponent to under 40 points.

Red Bud will take their 5-2 record on the road next Tuesday when they travel to East Alton Wood River to take on the Oilers. Then they will play one of their bitter rivals, the Valmeyer Pirates, on Saturday.