BY BUDDY TABLER

Special to the Tribune

ELLSWORTH — Larned's postseason basketball game started with a technical foul, and went downhill as the top-seeded Ellsworth boys dominated 61-20 at the 3A Hoisington substate.

Larned was issued a technical for grabbing the rim during pregame. Ellsworth's Will Cravens made two free throws and converted a 3-pointer for a quick 5-0 lead. Cravens scored 18 of his game-high 26 points in the first quarter. Ellsworth built a commanding 25-6 lead that stretched to 42-12 at halftime.

Ellsworth used blistering hot shooting, 6 of 10 from 3-point land and 14 of 22 overall in the first half. Larned made  5 of 21 first half shots (23%.)

Ellsworth (17-4) plays Lyons (8-13) in Thursday's 6 p.m. semifinal at Hoisington. Riley Stone and Lane Rolfs each scored eight points and Cooper McGowan added seven. Ellsworth made 21 of 38 field goal attempts (55%) and 9 of 12 free throws.

Ellsworth increased its lead to 54-16 after three quarters. The Bearcats drilled 9 of 19 three-point attempts. 

Larned (2-19) converted 8 of 36 field goals (22%) and 2 of 14 from long range. Carson Shaver led the Indians in scoring with eight while Cade Colglazier added five points.

"We knew how good Ellsworth was," said Larned coach Luke Steinlage. "We couldn't do much about it, especially when we didn't shoot very well. They have a good shot at making it to the state tournament. I'm proud of my guys, especially our seniors. They gave me all they had all year."

Larned 6 6 4 4 — 20

Ellsworth 25 17 12 7 — 61

LARNED (2-19) Shaver 8, Colglazier 5, Reynolds 3, Green 2, Crosby 2

3A HOISINGTON—2-29—Ellsworth 17-4 vs. Lyons 8-13, 6 p.m.; Haven 15-6 vs. Hoisington 12-9, 7:30; Ellsworth 61, Larned 20; Lyons 52, Kingman 41; Haven 65, Nickerson 31; Hoisington 52, Russell 21