Ragen Roberts has been the glue keeping the Holtville girls basketball team together all season long.
The Bulldogs are off to a 16-1 start and recently defeated the Elmore County Panthers on the road, 40-29. Roberts continued to be a crucial piece in the post by snagging five rebounds and collecting two steals, which allowed the dynamic backcourt of Ana Brown, Bella Brown and Alexandra Vasile to have open shots. Roberts has played a crucial role all season as the rim protector under the basket.
“Our game plan coming in was to have Ragen be big for us down on the post, and allow her to scoop up second chance opportunities,” Holtville coach Clint Pitchford said. “With her being so consistent down there, it really allows our shooters to have free reign from anywhere they want on the court.”
As one of the leading rebounders, Roberts has snagged almost 60 boards this season, exemplifying her ability to dominate the glass.
“We came out confident following a loss, because it was rough,” Roberts said. “We knew what was coming and we knew what to expect, and this was on me as a senior and the rest of the seniors.”
The five Bulldog seniors have led the way for their team this year.
“This was my last time facing Elmore County, so we knew what we wanted to come out here and do tonight,” Roberts said. “The team chemistry is very strong, and we have each other's backs.”
Holtville plays with calculated confidence, much due to the leadership from Roberts and the rest of the seniors on the roster.
“Every one of our seniors kind of gives us something different,” Pitchford said. “Ragen plays well with Ana (Brown) and Alexandra (Vasile), because of her ability to be available in the post at all times.”
Roberts also leads her team in blocks displaying her ability to affect the game in different ways. She will look to continue the magical season with her Bulldogs as they prepare to approach area play.
