BY JIM MISUNAS
jmisunas@gbtribune,com
NICKERSON -- The No. 7 state-ranked Nickerson girls had all the offensive answers inside the paint.
Nickerson’s Morgan Stout and Alex Altum each scored 14 points inside to power the Panthers past Larned 56-27 in Thursday’s non-league basketball game.
Larned’s initial defense was sufficient on numerous possessions. But the Panthers’ tandem dominated inside with second-chance points and 22 free throw attempts.
“There was a point where I said ‘No more offensive rebounds,’ “ said Larned coach Ashley Crosby. “It was a factor. We talk about boxing out. But at times, we forgot about it.”
The Indians (2-4) went scoreless for 17 possessions to start the game until Kaitlyn Sanger scored back-to-back baskets. The Indians committed 15 first-half turnovers and shot 3 of 17 to trail 22-6.
“We struggled on offense,” Crosby said.
The Indians found their rhythm after halftime with 8 of 23 shooting after halftime. Katie Fischer benefited from excellent passing for 11 second-half points. Ivory Muldrow added seven points and terrific defense. Kaithlyn Sanger added seven points.
Crosby believes the Indians have the ability, but must show confidence rather than hesitate for shots..
“The second half, we did an excellent job setting up Katie Fischer with god passing,” Crosby said. “She got posted u strong and did a great job that second half.. But overall, we’ve got to play with more confidence on offense. It depends o how much we want it.”
Nickerson is ranked seventh in 4A after qualifying for the state tournament last year.
“We’ve got good balance inside and outside,” said Nickerson coach Jon McLean. “We’ve got ability to play fullcourt defense and took advantage of that.”
Larned 0 6 12 9 – 27
Nickerson 7 15 13 12 – 56
LARNED (2-4)— Muldrow 3-4 0-0 7, Sanger 3-7 0-0 7, Fischer 4-11 3-4 11, Butler 0-4 0-0 0, Perez 0-6 0-0 0, Tapia 1-3 0-0 2, Nesby 0-4 0-0 0, Evers 0-1 0-0 0, Totals 11-40 3-4 27.
NICKERSON (7-0)—Stout 5-10 4-7 14, Altum 6-9 2-5 14, Kieryn Ontjes 4-7 2-2 11, Engelland 2-11 1-4 6, Madison Ontjes 1-10 0-0 3, Apfel 2-7 0-0 4, Rome 1-4 0-2 2, Allen 0-0 2-2 2, Starnes 0-1 0-0 0,Totals 21-59 11-22 56.
3-pointers—L 2-6 (Sanger 1-2, Muldrow 1-2, Perez 0-2), N 3-11 (Engelland 1-5, M. Ontjes1-5, K. Ontjes 1-1)
