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River Ridge loses top scorer to wrist injury

By IZZY GOULD
Published December 9, 2005

TRINITY - Ryane Hille's high school basketball career likely ended last Friday night.

The senior guard suffered a season-ending injury in River Ridge's 45-37 loss to Clearwater Central Catholic.

The injury occurred while Hille attempted a fastbreak lay-up. She was knocked down on her way to the basket and landed on her right wrist.

Coaches were called onto the court by game officials to examine her as she laid on the ground in agony.

"It was obvious she was in pain," River Ridge coach Al Sorrentino said. "She's twisted ankles and wrists before. This time you could tell, she was crying on the bench in pretty significant pain."

Hille, whose twin sister, Lauren, is a forward for the Royal Knights, is scheduled for surgery today to repair a broken radius. After surgery Hille will wear a cast for six weeks, then go through rehabilitation.

"We're pretty much done with the year for her," Sorrentino said. "Obviously she'd like to play again, this being her senior year. It's not sounding very positive for that at all."

Sorrentino said Hille had garnered interest from various Division II colleges in basketball. She also has a promising tennis career.

"Her and her sister have both gotten interest from colleges for playing tennis," Sorrentino said. "She needs to make sure she gets herself healthy enough and try not to rush back to play three or four more basketball games."

Hille entered the season 351 points shy of the school scoring record. Through four games she averaged 12.8 points. "She needed 14 points a game this year to become the school's all-time leading scorer," Sorrentino said. "Before that game she was averaging over 15 and a half. She was on track to accomplish that goal.

"Obviously, I feel horrible for her."

FOSTER REACHES 1,000 POINTS: Mitch Foster is closing in on Mitchell's all-time scoring record.

The senior forward became the third player at Mitchell to reach 1,000 points Monday in a 69-39 win against East Lake.

Mitchell coach Andy Schmitz said Jason Weaver holds the school record with 1,122 points. Jeremy Hopper is second with 1,115. Hopper also scored 75 at Ridgewood. "Ever since I've been in high school I looked up to (Weaver)," Foster said. "I just couldn't wait to do it, and when I did it, it felt phenomenal. It's one of the best feelings of my life."

Foster scored his 1,000th point with his final two points Monday night. He was fouled on the play with more than three minutes remaining but missed the free throw. The game couldn't stop because East Lake collected the rebound and raced down court to try and score.

Mitchell forced a turnover and called timeout for the belated celebration.

"They announced it over the loud speaker," Foster said. "We had a really big crowd that night. It was a good feeling."

Foster finished with 24 points and kept the ball as a memento.

GULF GIRLS ENTER CLASS 4A POLL: Gulf began the season unranked in Class 4A.

After an 8-0 start before Thursday's game at Mitchell, the Buccaneers made their first appearance at No. 8 in the second Class 4A poll this season.

"Being ranked eighth in the state is a good place to start," Gulf coach Mike Quarto said. "We just want to take care of business. It's up to the sportswriters to put us where they think we should be. It doesn't matter if you're voted, it's great to get the recognition. But when the district tournaments roll around, it's a new season."

BUMPS AND BRUISES: Wesley Chapel senior Ashley Thomas was held out of the Wildcats' win at Central on Tuesday for precautionary reasons. The 5-foot-10 guard has been bothered by a sprained ankle since a preseason game against Clearwater. Wesley Chapel boys coach Doug Greseth said the injury is "day-to-day." ... Gulf senior Turquoise Sampson missed two games due to a blister on the back of her heel. Quarto said she could have played, but he also held her out for precautionary reasons. "It's a long season," Quarto said. "We didn't want anything lingering."

Contact Izzy Gould at 813 909-4612 or sportsjournalist@gmail.com

[Last modified December 9, 2005, 01:19:17]