By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Ellis girls, boys sweep Larned
akielah

BY BUDDY TABLER

Special to the Tribune

LARNED — Larned’s girls were within one point when Ellis converted a trio of free throws in the final minute for a hard-fought 37-33 basketball over the Indians in Monday’s Keady Basketball Classic.

Larned failed to inbound the basketball down 34-33 with 32 seconds left.

Ellis outscored the Indians 15-7 in the fourth period to rally from a 26-22 deficit.

“We’re right there. Our girls are fighting hard on defense and gives us a chance to beat good teams,” said Larned coach Jerrod Smith. “Ball security is something we lack in late-game situations.  I’m proud of the effort the girls gave us.”

Emily Eck, Hannah Schiel and Natalee North each scored 10 points. Ellis (2-0) plays St. John (2-0) in Friday’s semifinal.

Larned’s Karley Lemuz (10 led the way with Mackenzie Reinert and Jaidyn Pinkston scoring five apiece.

“Offensively, we got away from what we wanted to do,” Smith said “In the second and fourth quarters, we took too many outside shots. Give credit to Ellis and their defensive effort.”

Larned led 9-3, but Ellis outscored the Indians 9-2 for a 12-11 lead. Larned’s third-quarter 26-22 lead was followed with a 7-point fourth period.

The Indians lost their opener 52-50. Larned (0-2) plays Spearville at 5 p.m. Thursday.

Ellis 3 9 10 15 – 37

Larned 9 2 15 7 – 33

ELLIS (2-0)—North 4 2-2 10, Emily Eck 3 3-4 10, Schiel 3 2-7 10, Isabelle Eck 3 0-2 7, Eberle 0 0-1 0, Totals 13 7-17 37.

LARNED (0-2)—Lemuz 5 0-2 10, Holt 2 0-0 4, Pinkston 2 0-0 5, Herrera 1 0-0 3, Meyer 1 1-2 3, Mackenzie Reinert 2 0-0 5, Collins 1 1-2 3, Totals 14 2-6 33

3-pointers—Ellis 4 (Schiel 2, I Eck 1, E. Eck 1); L 3 (Pinkston 1, Herrera 1, Mackenzie Reinert 1)

ELLIS 53, LARNED 44 — The Ellis Railroaders started the second half on a 9-0 burst en route to a 53-44 win over Larned in Monday’s Keady Basketball Classic.

Ellis changed defensive strategies and it paid big dividends. Ellis played a zone press and dropped into a 3-2 zone defense that slowed Larned. Ellis outscored Larned 34-24 in the second half.

“We didn’t attack their zone properly,” said Larned coach Luke Steinlage. “At times, we stood around too much. By the time we attacked it properly, we were too far behind.”

Ellis’ Carson North posted a game-high 17 points. Aron Bencze and Dakota Metzler each scored 12 each. Ellis (1-1) plays Spearville Friday.

Larned (0-2) was keyed by guard Talon Reynolds 12 points. His late-game outside shooting pulled Larned to within four points in the fourth quarter. Easton Fitzpatrick scored 10 points and was Larned’s leading rebounder.

Ellis ended Larned’s rally with timely free throws.

Larned used a steady offensive approach for a 20-19 halftime lead.

Ellis finished the night at 39% from the field and Larned shot 34%. Ellis outscored Larned 12-8 from the free throw line.

“We struggled to score in the second and third quarters,” Steinlage said. “Our turnovers led to easy baskets for the other team.”

Larned will meet St. John at 6:30 Thursday.

Ellis 13 6 16 18 – 53

Larned 12 8 9 15 – 44

ELLIS (2-0)—North 5-13 5-8 17, Bencze 4-9 3-3 12, Metzger 4-13 4-6 12, Russell 2-4 0-0 6, Noble 2-7 0-1 2, Gnad 1-1 0-0 2, Wildeman 0-1 0-0 0, Honas 0-1 0-0 0, Totals 18-45 12-18 53

LARNED (0-2)—Reynolds 3 4-4 12, Fitzpatrick 5 0-0 10, Shaver 3 0-0 6, Jayden Smuth 1 3-6 5, Ty Smith 2 1-2 5, Colglazier 1 0-1 2, Lemuz 1 0-0 2, Crosby 1 0-0 2, Totals 17 8-13 44

3-pointers—Ellis 5-17 (Russell 2-4, North 2-5, Bencze 1-3, Wildeman 0-1, Noble 0-2)