3rd ranked Trojans outslug Halstead
Staff writers
While the boys had an easy time with the Dragons, the girls had to outslug their way past Halstead in a 35-32 rock fight.
The victory lifting Hillsboro to 14-3 after perhaps their toughest remaining opponent.
Somebody had to win in a contest in which both teams hovered around 20% shooting, but it was the Trojans who grabbed a 10-6 lead after the first quarter.
Frigid shooting, combined with problems taking care of the ball, was instrumental in the score changing hands seven times, with five ties.
Halstead shot 30% percent the first half, and its 11-8 second quarter had the Dragons breathing down Hillsboro’s backs at the break, down 18-17.
Baskets were even harder to come by the second half with Halstead making a modest 6-for-42 overall and Hillsboro mustering a woeful 3-for-19 to go along with 14 turnovers.
It was the Trojans’ 11-for-18 shooting at the line that helped preserve the win with Hillsboro’s 12-9 fourth quarter being the difference.
Savannah Shahan scored a game-high 12 points, and Zaylee Werth pulled down a game-best 9 rebounds to go along with 5 blocks.
“This was a tough road win at Halstead, coach Micah Ratzlaff said. “We had a tough time getting going, and they defended us really well throughout the game.
“The good thing is that we can defend as well. That’s what we hang our hat on with this team, our defense. It wasn’t pretty, but we got the job done.
Centre shows no mercy
After a close-fought victory over the Warriors, who played part of the game with just three players earlier this season, Centre scored a lopsided victory Friday, defeating Peabody-Burns, 48-4.
The Warriors’ only points came on a basket by Abbigail Mendez-Campos in the first quarter and one by Chyanne Ayledott in the fourth quarter.
Centre missed a lot of shots, but Sophia Luna made two three-pointer and finished with 11 points. Sydney Smith also had a good game, with 15 points.
After a road game against Wichita Collegiate, the Cougars will close their regular-season game Friday at Chase County.
Goessel wins on the road
In a low scoring first half, Goessel managed to keep the lead Friday at Herington.
Goessel’s defense helped the Bluebirds stay in the game as they forced the Railers into 30 turnovers, winning by a final score of 33-26.
“The girls played great defense tonight but were sluggish on offense,” coach Ryan Hoopes said.
Abbigail Funk led Goessel’s scoring with seven points, followed by Aimee Funk with six and Cheyenne Sawyer with five.
Goessel finished fourth place in the 10-team Wheat State League, notching a 6-3 record in league play.
Going into Tuesday, the Bluebirds were 10-7 overall.
Theywill have a homecoming game Friday with Wichita Central Christian Academy (6-11).
Marion falls behind early
Ell-Saline was all business Friday night, beating the Warriors, 48-30, in Marion’s homecoming game.
The star scorer on the court between both teams was Marion’s Grace Hett, finishing with 17 points.
“This group never gave up tonight. Even when we got down early, they fought to get back into it with defensive stops,” coach Jason Hett said.
There are no off nights in the girls Heart of America League this year, and a few bad stretches for 1-2 minutes left Marion struggling to catch up.
“We have to continue to get tougher on defense and look for others to get involved on offense and be aggressive to score when they have their opportunity,” Hett said.
The Warriors (5-12 going into Tuesday) will have their last regular season home game Friday against a tough Elyria Christian team (14-3).
Peabody-Burns puts up 4 points
Peabody-Burns’ girls struggled to score against the aggressive defense of the Centre Cougars in a homecoming matchup Friday at Peabody. They were defeated, 48-4, after a fourth-quarter running clock.
Abbigail Mendez-Campos and Chyanne Ayledott made the only Warrior baskets.
The team was reduced to four players after Mady Goosen and Mendez-Campos fouled out in the third quarter.
Last modified Feb. 16, 2023