The Great Bend Middle School 8th-grade girls basketball team (2-2) split a pair of recent home games, beating Holcomb 39-35 and losing to Salina South Middle School.

HOLCOMB — A second-half rally sparked the Panthers past Holcomb Middle School 39-35 in a game featuring several lead changes and tense moments.

Holcomb led 18-12 at halftime. The Panthers regained control with a 17-8 third-quarter edge for a 29-26 lead after three periods. The Longhorns started the fourth quarter with six points before the Panthers responded with four points.

The Panthers led 33-2 when Katie Kuhlman hit the floor hard and had to be replaced causing the team to change their press. The Panthers survived 39-35 behind Brecken Carroll’s 17 points.

When asked what made the difference in the game, Coach Kyle Jeffrey said, “Kynslee White and Katie Kuhlman (my piranhas) force a lot of turnovers for the opposing team.  In this game, they led us in a 14-point swing and a comeback victory.”

GBMS SCORING — Brecken Carroll 17, Autumn McHenry 10, Kyndall Blessing 7, Nayomi Olivas 2, Valarie Luna 2, Katie Kuhlman 1. 

SALINA SOUTH — Salina South Middle School roared to a 30-4 halftime lead behind 16-1 and 14-3 quarters. 

Adjustments by coach Jeffrey helped the Panthers outscore the Cougars 8-4 in the fourth quarter.

GBMS SCORING — Brecken Carroll 6, Kyndall Blessing 5, Madelynn Gregg 3, Valerie Luna 2, Autumn McHenry 2, Kynslee White 1