The Rocky River Pirates achieved their seventh consecutive victory with a commanding 58-32 win over the Cleveland Heights Tigers on December 12, 2025. After starting the season with two losses, the Pirates have since regained their momentum, dominating their opponents with a blend of strong defense and efficient offense.
Rocky River’s head coach, Jamey Pfahl, praised his team’s performance, highlighting their offensive efficiency. “We ran the way that we normally would. Our offensive and defensive rebounding is dominant,” he stated. The Pirates utilized their height advantage effectively; while Cleveland Heights’ tallest player stood at 5-foot-8, the Pirates’ 6-foot center, Elizabeth Lang, proved pivotal in the game. Lang secured an impressive 16 rebounds and contributed 13 points, achieving a double-double that underscored her impact.
The defense set the tone early, as Rocky River limited the Tigers to just two points in the first quarter, establishing a commanding 21-2 lead. The Pirates dominated the rebounding battle, recording a first-half advantage of 32-15, which translated into a 34-12 lead at halftime.
Lang reflected on her performance, stating, “With those rebounds, I was able to pass the ball back out to my teammates for big 3s.” Her contributions were complemented by Nora Bruder, who scored five three-pointers during the game. Bruder emphasized the importance of fast-paced play, stating, “Cleveland Heights was not that great at getting back quickly. Our point guard, Olivia Dewey, is always looking to push the ball up the court.”
Bruder’s five three-pointers marked the third time this season she has achieved this feat. With a total of 112 three-pointers made over three years, she is just five short of tying the school record held by Nicole Popovich, who played from 2013 to 2016. Bruder downplayed the milestone, saying, “I don’t really think about it when I am in a game. I play my game, do the best I can. Whatever happens, happens.”
In addition to Bruder and Lang, Dewey contributed four points and six assists, demonstrating the collective teamwork that has characterized the Pirates’ success. Pfahl noted the unselfish play from his key trio, saying, “This is not just one person. We all play really well together.”
The Pirates quickly built their early lead, but the Tigers attempted to fight back with an 8-2 run. Despite this, Rocky River maintained control, with Pfahl attributing their success to a relentless defensive strategy. “We are defense first,” he explained. “We have to take care of our business on the defensive end first, and everything will fall into place.”
Rocky River’s defense continued to stifle Cleveland Heights, allowing the Pirates to initiate a running clock in the third quarter after a 15-2 run. By the end of the third quarter, the score stood at 51-17, firmly in the Pirates’ favor. Claudia Roche, another key player for Rocky River, added five points and three assists, contributing to the team’s overall performance.
Looking ahead, the Pirates will face Olentangy Berlin on December 28, while Cleveland Heights, now with a record of 5-5, prepares to take on Massillon Jackson on December 29. The Pirates’ cohesive play and strategic execution have set a strong foundation as they aim to extend their winning streak further in the upcoming matches.
