STERLING — The Claflin High School girls’ basketball team began the Sterling Round Robin Tournament on Tuesday with a big win against Ellsworth, 61-30.
The Lady Wildcats (11-1), who are ranked No. 1 in Class 1A Division I in the latest Kansas Basketball Coaches Association state poll, took a 32-13 lead into the locker room at halftime, but Claflin head coach Toby Holmes said his team looked a little sluggish on the court.
“We hadn’t played in a week,” Holmes said. “I still think we played well for not playing in a game in over a week, but we were pretty tired. We had to start subbing in the first quarter.
“The girls just have to get their feet back.”
The Lady Wildcats were led by Morgan Hekele, who rang up 17 points. Sydney Rugan was right behind her with 16 points, and Courtney Liebl added eight.
“I think our defense was pretty solid tonight,” Holmes said. “We were up at halftime and we rebounded well.”
Claflin’s next game is on Thursday night against Southeast of Saline at Sterling.
“(Southeast of Saline) is quick and athletic,” Holmes said. “They run the floor well. We will have to execute very well to beat them.”