Bruins win without top scorer

The Rock Bridge girls basketball team knows how to persevere.

Playing without leading scorer Amaya Williams, who was out with a groin injury, the Bruins still dominated visiting Boonville on Friday night in a 64-36 victory.

Rock Bridge junior Andrea Seabaugh’s outside shooting helped the Bruins gain a 16-2 lead after the first quarter. Seabaugh finished with 14 points, including four 3-pointers. It was the Bruins’ 12th straight win. They are 15-2 with four games to play in the regular season.

Rock Bridge coach Jill Nagel said she was pleased with how her team performed early.

“We started strong and that’s what we need to do,” Nagel said. “We want to set the tone offensively and defensively.”

It was the inside play of senior Ashley Dressler that put the game out of reach. Dressler led the team in scoring with 18 points, but said the victory was a result of teamwork.

“We were working the ball around and making pretty crisp passes.” Dressler said. “We expected a good game, and we got it.”

Nagel knows the importance of great play from Dressler and the other seniors on the team.

“Your only as good as your senior leadership.” Nagel said. “Rachel Drennan, Ashley Dressler and Kate Martin have all done an excellent job in leading this team.”

The Bruins defense did not allow Boonville to recover from its early deficit. Nagel said that defense was a key for success in the game.

“We got to have the defense pressure and intensity and we had that for the most part” Nagel said. “We’ll continue to build on what we have. Defense is always the key.”

Though the Bruins played well in all areas, Nagel said the Bruins can still get better.

“If you don’t have areas to improve, then your sitting still and your stagnant.” Nagel said. “You want to be reaching for your peak.”

With each victory the Bruins gain more and more confidence.

“You learn something new every game.” Nagel said. “The players learn more about each other in terms of becoming comfortable with each other.”