Rocky River’s girls basketball team has found its stride, achieving a commanding victory over Cleveland Heights with a score of 58-32 on December 12, 2025. The win marks the Pirates’ seventh consecutive victory after starting the season with two losses. Coach Jamey Pfahl praised his team’s efficiency on both ends of the court, highlighting their rebounding prowess and fast-paced play.
The Pirates established an early dominance, leading 21-2 after the first quarter. The height advantage was evident, particularly with Elizabeth Lang, a 6-foot center, who excelled with 16 rebounds and contributed 13 points for a double-double. Lang’s performance was crucial in establishing a 32-15 rebounding lead in the first half, allowing Rocky River to maintain a substantial 34-12 advantage at halftime.
Lang noted the significance of her rebounds in facilitating team play, stating, “With those rebounds, I was able to pass (the ball) back out to my teammates for big 3s.” This teamwork was a hallmark of the game, with Nora Bruder stepping up as a key contributor. Bruder sank five 3-pointers, reflecting her growing prowess as a shooter. After a standout 23-point performance, she is now just five 3-pointers away from tying the school record held by Nicole Popovich from 2013-2016.
Bruder highlighted the importance of transition play, attributing her success to the team’s pace. “(Cleveland Heights) was not that great at getting back quickly. In our game, we played at a super-fast pace,” she explained. Point guard Olivia Dewey also played a vital role, scoring four points and providing six assists, emphasizing the team’s focus on unselfish play.
The Pirates’ defense was instrumental throughout the match. Pfahl emphasized that their relentless defensive strategy fuels their high-tempo offense. “Relentlessness is our thing. We are defense first,” he stated. The Pirates’ intensity allowed them to initiate a running clock after a 15-2 run in the third quarter, ending the period with a commanding 51-17 lead.
In addition to the standout performances from Lang and Bruder, Claudia Roche, another returning starter, contributed five points and three assists. The Pirates will look to maintain their winning momentum in their next game against Olentangy Berlin on December 28, while Cleveland Heights, now at 5-5, prepares for a matchup against Massillon Jackson on December 29.
Rocky River’s ability to bounce back from an early season slump demonstrates their resilience and teamwork, positioning them as a formidable force in the league as they continue their winning streak.
