RF Triumphs in Epic ‘Food Fight’ at Hoops for Hunger: A Memorable Event Recap – Pierce County Journal

By Greg Peters

On Friday night, the River Falls High School gym buzzed with excitement as fans arrived for the boys’ basketball game against Hudson. Among the hustle and bustle was David Crail, the Wildcat Activities Director, who was busy clearing snow from the walkway—much like the character from “Home Alone,” just without the long beard.

As the activities director, Crail had a lot to juggle. Not only was he hosting the rival Hudson Raiders, but he was also overseeing a food drive initiated by volunteer coordinator Cheryl Schwantz. Wearing her bright orange “Hoops for Hunger” shirt, Schwantz aimed to gather food donations for Our Neighbor’s Place, a local program that provides support to families in need in Pierce County.

According to Shelly Smith, Executive Director of Our Neighbor’s Place, many people rely on these resources. “Some folks can’t just run out and buy food when they need it,” she explained. With statistics showing that one in three households in Pierce County is at or below the A.L.I.C.E. poverty line—meaning they struggle to meet basic needs—donations like these make a significant difference.

As the boys’ game unfolded, fans cheered for their teams and also filled bins with food donations. The “Hudson Food” bin sat on the left, while the “River Falls Food” bin was on the right. With Tyler Lessard scoring a game-high 25 points and Preston Johnson adding 23 for River Falls, the basketball action mirrored the spirit of the food drive, which was a key success of the night. “We might not be winning the game, but we’re definitely winning the food drive,” Schwantz noted proudly.

While River Falls struggled with fouls—14 in total—Hudson capitalized on their free throws, making 13 out of 16 attempts. The Wildcats showed their community spirit, collecting a substantial amount of food and raising $415 in cash for Our Neighbor’s Place. This program plays a crucial role in supporting families in the district who need a helping hand.

In an exciting comeback, Wildcat junior guard Brody Graetz returned to the court after a month of recovery from a partial muscle tear. Before his injury, he was among the top players in points, steals, and assists in the conference. “No matter who’s on the court, we have to work together to win,” Greatz said, highlighting the team’s resilience through recent challenges.

The night wasn’t just about the boys’ game. In the girls’ matchup, River Falls faced a tough opponent in Hudson. Despite their efforts, the Wildcats struggled with their shooting, hitting only 6 of 35 shots from two-point range. Meanwhile, the Raiders had a much better night, securing a solid 63-33 victory. However, junior Abigail Treichel stood out with remarkable performance, grabbing 20 rebounds, solidifying her position as one of Wisconsin’s top rebounders. Treichel’s average of nearly 18 rebounds per game over the last ten games places her third in the state.

Ultimately, the evening was about more than just the games. It brought the community together to support those in need, reinforcing the connection between sports and community kindness.

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River Falls Wildcats, boys basketball, girl basketball, Hudson Raiders, Hoops for Hunger