HOISINGTON – Hoisington's boys survived 45-38 over upset-minded Larned, thanks to nine consecutive points by standout Bralen Thompson in Tuesday's Central Kansas League basketball game. Thompson scored back-to-back inside baskets, converted four free throws and made a 3-pointer for a 43-38 lead. Thompson scored 15 points.
Larned somehow stayed within range despite 1 of 17 shooting in the fourth quarter. Carson Shaver's free throw made it 41-38, but Thompson and Leyton Haxton iced the victory with two free throws apiece.
The Cardinals (9-11, 3-6) travel to Phillipsburg (10-10) Monday for 3A substate play.
"We've been in a funk, but our goal was to secure the No. 6 seed," said Hoisington coach Kyle Haxton. "It's fun to figure out how to win games."
Leyton Haxton added 10 points and Noah Dolezal drew several charging fouls with solid defense. Hoisington made 17 of 49 shots and 8 of 12 free throws with 17 turnovers in the tense game.
Larned (4-15, 2-7) was sparked by Brady Hope with 16 points, keyed by a 10-point third quarter that led to a 27-27 tie. Shaver added eight points and a pair of 3-pointers. The Indians missed an opportunity with 6 of 19 free throw shooting started by a 1 of 10 start. Larned made 14 of 45 field goal attempts, but missed the final 11 shots.
“Gosh, if we make 60% from the free throw line, we win the game.," said Larned coach Luke Steinlage. "We missed way too many shots right under the basket, especially in the fourth quarter. It was hard to score. Both teams battled hard and played good defense.”
Larned plays Pratt-Skyline Thursday at home. The No. 8 seeded Indians travel to Lakin (17-3) Monday for 3A substate play.
Larned 7 11 12 8 – 38
Hoisington 8 12 14 11 – 45
LARNED (4-15, 2-7)--Hope 7-16 0-2 16, Shaver 2-6 2-2 8, Wilson 2-2 0-4 4, Orth 2-7 0-0 4, Colglazier 1-4 0-0 2, Bird 1-4 0-0 2, Ibarra 0-5 1-4 1, Hess 0-2 0-0 0, Totals 14-45 6-19 38.
HOISINGTON (9-11, 3-6)--Thompson 6-12 4-4 15, Haxton 3-15 2-2 10, Maier 2-3 2-2 6, Dolezal 3-7 0-3 6, Steinert 2-3 0-1 4, Robinson 2-5 0-0 4, Moore 0-4 0-0 0, Totals 17-49 8-12 45.
