(Versailles, IN) – Southwestern (Hanover) set the tone early Thursday night, forcing turnovers, controlling tempo and steadily pulling away for a 45–28 Ohio River Valley Conference girls basketball win over South Ripley.
The result tightened the ORVC race into a three-way tie at the top. South Ripley entered the night unbeaten in conference play at 3–0, while Southwestern (Hanover) was 2–1. With Switzerland County idle, Thursday’s outcome leaves South Ripley, Southwestern (Hanover) and Switzerland County all at 3–1 entering the final third of the conference schedule.
Southwestern seized control from the opening minutes, turning defensive pressure into a 12–4 first-quarter lead. Rather than pushing pace, the Rebels settled into long, purposeful possessions—cycling cutters through the lane, working inside, and forcing South Ripley to defend deep into the shot clock.
That approach paid off throughout the second quarter. The Raiders struggled to convert stops into points, while Southwestern continued stacking efficient trips, taking a 27–14 advantage into halftime.
South Ripley showed renewed urgency coming out of the break. Kaiya Rinear opened the third quarter with a three-pointer, briefly energizing the home crowd and hinting at a possible shift. Each push, however, was answered. Southwestern responded with interior baskets, second-chance points and possessions that bled clock, restoring full control by the midpoint of the quarter.
By the time the fourth quarter arrived, the Rebels had stretched the margin to 41–24 and were able to close the game by continuing to trade time for points, never allowing the pace to swing in South Ripley’s favor.
Michaela Nusbaum led Southwestern with 13 points, while Rory Scroggins added 11 and Bailey McAfee scored 10. Olivia Simpson finished with seven points and was a constant disruptive presence defensively.
South Ripley was led by Rinear’s 11 points. Aubrey Werner and Emily Parks added five apiece, but the Raiders were unable to sustain offensive momentum against Southwestern’s composure and ball security.
South Ripley returns to action Saturday at Switzerland County, while Southwestern (Hanover) is back home Saturday against Rising Sun.