HOISINGTON 52, RUSSELL 43 — Hoisington boys basketball coach Kyle Haxton celebrated his 200th high school victory with a vintage performance. The Cardinals' crafty matchup zone defense shut out Russell's leading scorer Sam Theilen in the first half for a 52-43 non-league basketball victory.

Mason Martin scored 21 points and Carson Mason added 13 points. Marcus Ingram keyed a solid defensive game by drawing two charges that led to two Russell players fouling out.

"I would've liked a warning, but it was a 'wet celebration,' Haxton said. "It's special to do something like this. There's been a lot of coaches who have been part of this."

The Cardinals (4-2) outscored the Broncos 13-7 with solid defense in the fourth quarter. After a winter break, the offense played hot and cold.

"We knew Russell has talent and athleticism," Haxton said. "I was excited the way the guys executed our defense. Russell didn't handle our match-up zone. But we've got to play better on offense." 

Russell's Theilen, averaging 20 points, scored 14 second-half points.

The Cardinals (4-2) open Central Kansas League play Tuesday against Smoky Valley.

Russell 6 10 20 7 — 43

Hoisington 10 15 14 13 — 52 

RUSSELL (3-3)—Theilen 14, Williams 9, Mooney 8, Middleton 5, Strobel 5, Schoenberger 2

HOISINGTON (4-2)—Martin 21, Carson Mason 13, Pfannenstiel 6, Hekele 4, Ingram 2, Crawford 2, Cossel 2, Gruis 2

HOISINGTON GIRLS 53, RUSSELL 34 — Hoisington's Tianna Lutters converted four 3-pointers in a brilliant 20-point night to spark a 53-34 non-league basketball victory over winless Russell. Lutters converted a trio of 3-pointers and added a fourth 3-pointer to reach 20 points.

Kelsi Maier (15) and Marley Bittel (12) scored in double figures. The Cardinals outscored the Broncos 23-9 in the second quarter.

"Marley and Tianna enjoyed good games, and getting three in double figures is what you need," said Hoisington girls coach Trina Lutters. "Sometimes, you've got to shoot and see it fall through. We made the extra pass tonight. Our defense and rebounding will always keep us in games."

The Cardinals (4-1) open Central Kansas League play against Smoky Valley.

"We're flying under the radar," Lutters said. "We want to continue our momentum and keep getting better as a team."

Russell 12 9 11 2 — 34

Hoisington 11 23 7 12 — 53 

RUSSELL (0-7)—Patterson 13, Mooney 12, Middleton 5, Weiger 4

HOISINGTON (4-1)—Lutters 20, Maier 15, Bittel 12, Aylward 2, Wilkens 2, Hanzlick 2