On Dec. 28, the RV girls squared off with Barneveld in a non-conference matchup. The Blackhawks came into the game looking for their second win against five losses, while Barneveld was playing their first game of the season. Unfortunately for the RV girls, this game would be close throughout, but Barneveld ultimately prevailed 42-37.
The River Valley boys basketball team has a history of playing – and often winning – close games against Dodgeville. Last Monday night was no exception, as the Dodgers travelled to the River Valley gym to open their season. While the Blackhawks had played several games, this was both a season and SWC opener for Dodgeville, due to COVID precautions. Those who have grown accustomed to tight games between these rival schools would not be disappointed in this contest, whether they were watching in person or on RVTV.
The River Valley boys basketball team faced Sauk Prairie Dec. 14 with a roster and coaching staff depleted by COVID-19 quarantines. Nonetheless, the hometown squad, with only 8 players dressed for the game, gave Sauk Prairie all they could handle before ultimately falling 58-52.
Valley Sentinel asked RV Winter Sports coaches about what they expect for the upcoming season. Below are answers from Girls Basketball Coach Brent Johnson.
The River Valley girls basketball team tipped off their home season last Tuesday night, hosting the Belmont Braves. The Blackhawks came into the game having played just once, a season-opening loss at Lancaster. The Lady Braves, on the other hand, won their only contest of the year over Southwestern. Coach Brent Johnson brings three starters back from last season, including senior Emily Esser, and sophomores Brooke Anderson and Charlotte Ferstl. Along with senior Ava Liegel, the returning starters would play key roles in what turned out to be a hard-fought 36-33 loss.
The River Valley boys basketball team opened the season with a 48-43 home win over Platteville on Friday night. While many of the typical amenities you would hope to find at a high school basketball game were noticeably missing – no band, no raucous student section, no popcorn – the action on the floor provided a welcome escape from the heaviness of living with COVID-19.
Valley Sentinel asked RV Winter Sports coaches about what they expect for the upcoming season and about how COVID-19 has impacted their sports and athletes. Below are answers from Luke Thatcher, the Boys Basketball coach and Dan Machovech, the Wrestling Coach.
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The River Valley Blackhawk varsity football team defeated the Platteville Hillmen 30-14 at Saturday’s away game. The Blackhawks are back home this week, going against Mineral Point at 7 p.m. Oct. 30.
Recently, the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) released both their winter guidelines and a University of Wisconsin study that found scholastic sports were not a significant source for spreading COVID-19. Valley Sentinel spoke with River Valley School District’s Activities Director Jaime Hegland about how the District will handle winter sports and its data on the spread of coronavirus in athletics.