Marion Lilly hit the game-winning shot with five seconds left to give River a nonleague victory.
The Chieftains trailed by five late in the fourth quarter. But River’s defense dialed up its full-court press and forced crucial turnovers.
Megan Bloom’s two free throws with 25 seconds left tied the game. River got the ball back with 14 seconds left after Ridgefield had a 5-second violation on an inbounds pass.
That set the stage for Lilly’s game-winner on a drive through the lane.
“I told them I’d rather have bigger wins so I don’t get so stressed out,” River coach Carl Click said. “But it’s good to play close games and to learn how to win them.”
Shannon Boyle led Ridgefield with 17 points after having just two at halftime.
River improved to 8-7 overall and has won five of its last six games.
COLUMBIA RIVER 43, RIDGEFIELD 41
RIDGEFIELD — Bailey Hooghkirk 12, Brooke Kates 4, Emily Frikken 1, Emily Persons 0, Shannon Boyle 17, Riley Smetzler 0, Abby Smithline 5, Miranda Ohs 2. Totals 18 (2) 3-12 41.
COLUMBIA RIVER — Ana Delgadillo 0, Marion Lilly 10, Kate Kraft 2, Teaghan Cowles 10, Joey Fox , Molly Bosch , Jenna Joy , Holli Jo Chose 4, Megan Bloom 8, Ellie Walker 3, Morgan Anthony 2, Katie Anthony 4, Alyce Noble-Allen . Totals 20 (0) 3-13 43.
Ridgefield 14 5 11 11–41
C. River 14 8 10 11–43
JV — River 33-22.
