BY BUDDY TABLER

Special to the Tribune

BY BUDDY TABLER

Special to the Tribune

LARNED—It was racehorse basketball Friday evening, but the Broncos from Lakin had more horses. They knocked No. 3 state-ranked 3A Larned from the unbeaten ranks with a thrilling 68-64 non-league victory.

The sharp-shooting Broncos (5-2) were led by Dominick Daniels, Hunter Davis and Sonnie Altman, all with 13 points. Servando Gonzalez and Allen Martinez added nine each. Lakin converted 24 of 44 from the field, eight 3-point shots. They were 9 of 14 from the charity stripe.

Chance Sanger led the Indians in scoring with 21 while Mason Perez added 20 and Brock Skelton 14. Larned (6-1) travels to Lyons Tuesday for a Central Kansas League game.

Larned made 22 of 54 shots for 39%. But Larned made 16 of 28 free throws, including several one-and one-opportunities. In the first half, Larned made 6 of 16 free throws. 

Lakin would outscore Larned 34-17 in the two middle quarters as they bombed away from the 3-point line with accuracy, making six in the first half.

“We lost focus in the second and third quarters,” said Larned coach Jerrod Smith. “We forced things and tried to make plays that weren’t there. We didn’t stay with our offense and trust that we would get what we wanted. That and all of the missed free throws were keys to us losing.”

Both teams opened the game with high-tempo basketball and full-court pressing defenses that resulted in an entertaining 22-17 first-quarter lead for Larned.

It was one highlight-reel play after another for both teams. The trouble for Larned was that Lakin continued that in the second and third quarters and the Indians didn’t. Larned would score eight second-quarter points and nine in the third stanza.

Despite their missed opportunities, Larned battled back with aggressive defense, causing Lakin turnovers and trailed 51-39 after three quarters.

The fourth quarter was keyed by mini-runs. Stellar ballhandling by Lakin guard Hunter Davis kept Lakin ahead.

Larned pulled within three points on two occasions. Lakin converted free throws to ice the victory.

LAKIN GIRLS 60, LARNED 39 — Lakin’s Lady Broncos jumped to a 13-4 first quarter lead and rode to a 60-39 basketball victory over Larned Friday evening.

Lakin jumped on the Lady Indians with a trapping, full-court defense that forced 22 turnovers for uncontested layups. Behind the quickness of point guard Jaya Esquibel and the inside strength of Talyn Beltran, the Broncos kept the margin between 14 and 20 points throughout most of the contest.

Lakin (4-3) finished shooting 23 of 47 for 47%. They were an efficient 5 of 8 from the free throw line. Jaya Esquibel, a 5-2 point guard scored 20 points. Beltran and Tiana Gonzalez scored 15 points each.

“We did not handle their press well, especially in the first quarter when we had eight turnovers,” said Larned coach Ashley Crosby. “That and our poor free throw shooting put us behind early. We couldn’t catch up.”

Larned shot 16 of 42 from the field for 38% but 6 of 15 from the charity stripe Julie Tapia scored 12 second half points. Eden Evers added 11, nine in the first half. Reagan Krehbiel and Linzie Myrick chipped in with seven apiece.

Larned (0-7) travels to Lyons Tuesday to play a Central Kansas League game.

By halftime, Lakin forged a 34-18 lead , keyed by nearly 60% shooting including 4 three pointers. The lead grew to 19 points by the end of the third quarter and the Lady Broncos coasted home.

“We had too many turnovers to compete with Lakin but give them credit. They had a good game plan and their guards executed. We just have to keep working, keep getting better. My ladies never give up and I appreciate that.”

Lakin 13 21 9 17 — 60

Larned 4 14 6 15 — 39

LAKIN (4-3)—Esquibel 7 0-0 20, Beltran 6 3-4 15, Gonzalez 6 2-4 15, Bachman 2 0-0 4, Rider 1 0-0 3, Andrage 1 0-0 3, Totals 23-47 5-8 60.

LARNED (0-7)—Tapia 5 2-6 12, Evers 5 1-4 11, Myrick 3 1-3 7, Krehbiel 2 2-2 7, Herrera 1 0-0 2, Totals 16-42 6-15 39.

3-pointers—Lakin 7 (Esquibel 4, Andrage 1, Rider 1, Gonzalez 1), Larned 1 (Krehbiel 1).

 LAKIN 68, LARNED 64

Lakin 17 18 16 17 — 68

Larned 22 8 9 25 — 64

LAKIN (5-2)—Altman 6 0-0 13, Daniels 1 8-9 13, Davis 6 1-5 13, Jace Bachman 3 0-0 9, Gonzalez 3 0-0 7, Hudson 1 0-0 3, Totals 24 9-14 68.

LARNED (6-1)—Sanger 6 5-6 21, Perez 8 5-7 20, Skelton 5 3-7 14, Smith 1 1-2 3, Tucker 1 0-2 2, Stelter 0 2-4 2, Bryant 1 0-0 2, Totals 64.

3-pointers—Lakin 8 (Bachman 3, Martinez 2, Hudson 1, Altman 1), Larned 5 (Sanger 4, Skelton 1).