Homecoming a success for Talawanda coach

Kim Richter needed more than four seasons as a high school girls basketball head coach to make her debut at the gym where she starred as a player.

Richter, a standout as Kim Kraft at Badin before graduating in 1990, led Talawanda on to her former home court Thursday night and was as successful at coaching as she had been in uniform. Senior guard Brilyn Webb sank a career-high five 3-pointers – in five tries – to lead five Braves in double figures in a 68-35 win over the Rams.

“That’s the first time I’ve ever sat on that bench,” said Richter, who never played at Badin in three seasons at Cincinnati Christian and her first at Talawanda last season. “It was OK. I have confidence in my team, and any time you have confidence, that’s a good place to be.”

The Braves knew it was homecoming for their coach, who still stands as Badin’s girls career scoring leader.

“We didn’t talk about it, but we knew it,” Webb said. “Her and her husband (John Richter). He’s the boys’ scoring leader.”

Junior forward Ana Richter and freshman center Sarah Beth Richter both logged double-doubles, Ana with 13 points and 10 rebounds and Sarah Beth with 10 of each, while junior Megan Richardson added 12 points and sophomore center Darby Glaab finished with 10 for 10-0 Talawanda.

Junior guard Torey Stang scored nine points to lead Badin (6-3), which had a four-game winning streak snapped. Talawanda’s aggressive defense forced 33 Ram turnovers, which the Braves turned into 30 points.

“They were the aggressor in every phase of the game,” Badin coach Tom Sunderman said.

Talawanda never trailed after opening with a 15-0 run. The Braves led 10-0 and already had forced five turnovers before the first quarter was half over. Badin didn’t get on the scoreboard until senior guard Alisha Bradbury scored on a driving layup with 2:21 left in the first quarter.

Badin is scheduled to be off until returning to Girls Greater Cincinnati League Central Division action against Purcell Marian at Badin on Jan. 5 at 7:30 p.m. Talawanda is scheduled to play Eaton on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. at Talawanda.

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