BY BUDDY TABLER
Special to the Tribune
LARNED – The Lyons Lions scored the last six points to shock Larned 51-50 in Tuesday’s Central Kansas League basketball game.
Leading 50-45, Larned committed three straight turnovers and the veteran guards of Lyons converted them into six points, leading to a heartbreaking setback.
Three times, after Lyons grabbed a 51-50 lead, the Lions missed free throws and grabbed the rebound creating another chance for Lyons. Larned missed its final opportunity on an inside shot with five seconds remaining.
Lyons led by 17 points before Larned rallied.
"It’s a shame that we lost, but I would rather lose like that than get blown out and not compete,” said Larned coach Jerrod Smith. “I was so pleased with my guys. At one time, we trailed by 17 points, but we kept grinding and got back into the game.”
The Lions (9-3, 2-1 CKL) made 22 of 51 field goals and four of 11 free throws. Rey Alamos scored 22 points and Trey McClure and Billy Harley added 10 apiece.
Larned made 17 of 37 field goal attempts and 12 of 16 charity tosses. Layton Crosby scored 17 points. Andreus Tucker added 11 and Dillen Smith and Jack Stelter contributed six apiece.
Lyons raced to a 18-8 first quarter lead behind 13 points by Alamos. Lyons ran the margin to 33-19 behind four 3-pointers by Alamos. Lyons used a big offensive rebounding edge to garner second chance points.
Larned came out much stronger defensively and their shots started to fall as they outscored Lyons 20-8 for a 41-39 score after three quarters.
Crosby spurred the second half comeback as he frequently posted up in the paint and scored on jump hooks. Larned's second-half defense tightened up on Lyons' three-point shooters and the game got closer.
Larned (5-8, 0-3 CKL) travels to Lindsborg Friday against Smoky Valley.
LYONS GIRLS 48, LARNED 20
BY BUDDY TABLER
Special to the Tribune
LARNED — The Lyons Lady Lions jumped on Larned's girls and raced to a 48-20 Central Kansas League basketball win.
Lyons jumped out to a 19-4 first-quarter lead on the strength of some hot shooting and Larned turnovers. Lyons turned turnovers into easy baskets and grabbed a 28-8 halftime advantage.
"Their press really bothered us," said Larned coach Ashley Crosby. "We've worked and worked against the press. It seems like when we get in a game we forget everything we've practiced. We have to do a better job against full-court pressure. We have the game slow down in our minds and make better passes."
Larned scoring the first seven points of the second half. But Lyons hit a trio of 3-point baskets and led 38-18 after three quarters. Lyons was keyed by second chance points off offensive rebounds.
Lyons launched 53 field goal attempts compared to Larned's 41. Guard Caitlyn Belote had a strong floor game directing the Lions' offense.
Lyons made 16 of 53 field goals and 11 of 25 free throws. Lizeth Valenzuela led Lyons with 11 points while Janessa Jaime and Natascha Jaimie added 10 apiece.
Larned converted six of 41 field goals for 14% and six of 18 free throws, many of them the front end of one-and-one opportunities. Jaidyn Pinkston scored five points while Julie Tapia and Sarah MacMahon added four apiece.
Larned (2-12, 0-4 CKL) travels to Lindsborg Friday to play Smoky Valley.
Lyons 19 8 10 10 — 48
Larned 4 4 10 2 — 20
LYONS (5-6, 2-1)—Valenzuela 11, Jaime 10, Belote 10, Arriola 8, Carrera 3, Konda 3, Pena 3
LARNED (2-12, 0-4)—Tapia 4, Pinkston 5, Herrera 1, Meyer 1, Collins 2, Upson 2, MacMahon 5
