Staff writers
Centre vs. Peabody-Burns
Two county teams squared off Friday looking for their first victories of the season. Centre captured the honor, defeating Peabody-Burns, 41-16.
Centre’s Olivia Carlson, out for a year because of injury, was back with a fury, putting up 20 points.
Teammate Sophia Luna backed her up with 15 points of her own.
On the other side of the court, Sarah Winfrey scored 10 of the Warriors’ 16 points.
“Olivia Carlson and Sophia Luna were strong on the offensive end, with Carlson working in the upper lane and Luna outside the arc and driving to the basket,” Centre coach Alan Stahlecker said. “Jenaya Plett returned and settled the offense from the point. We played good defense without running any pressure.”
Centre (1-12) will be on the road Friday playing undefeated Little River (11-0).
Peabody-Burns (0-9) will be at home to play Canton-Galva (9-4).
Hillsboro
With ease, the Trojans toppled Minneapolis, 51-29, Friday.
Savannah Shahan shined with 21 points. Zaylee Werth added 17. Werth also pulled down six rebounds, and teammate Anslee Brewer helped with four of her own.
“We shared the ball very well on offense and got back to defending at a high level,” coach Micah Ratzlaff said. “Our starters played well, and our bench came in and did a fantastic job without any letdown.
“That is what we are looking for — being able to find eight girls who can play and be confident on both ends of the court. Proud of all the girls.”
In an anticipated match, Hillsboro (11-1) will hit the road Friday to play Hesston (12-1).
Hillsboro is ranked fourth in the state in Class 2A. Hesston is ranked fifth in Class 3A.
Marion
The Warriors won their homecoming game 40-32 Thursday against Council Grove.
Grace Hett led the team with 12 points and six rebounds. Kenna Wesner scored nine with five rebounds. Taryn Kraus also scored nine with four rebounds and four assists. Erin Regnier scored six points with five rebounds and five assists.
“We came out early and executed well and took an early lead,” coach Jason Hett said. “They went to a junk defense and threw our rhythm off a little bit heading into halftime, but we came out in the second half and attacked it better and got some good looks.
“I was very proud of the defense we played all game, and that is what won us the ballgame.”
Marion (5-7) will be on the road Friday at Sterling (4-9).
Goessel
The Bluebirds defeated Wichita Central Christian Academy, 46-38, Thursday.
Goessel fell behind, 24-16, at the half, but a 21-point outburst in the third quarter allowed the Bluebirds to take the lead for good, 37-30.
“The girls showed great perseverance and grit tonight,” coach Ryan Hoopes said. “It was a good challenge for us.”
Abbigail Funk led the team with 13 points. Gretta Scholle added 12.
Against tournament host Fairfield on Friday, Goessel led 18-0 at the end of the first quarter. Fairfield didn’t score until two minutes into the second quarter.
Although the Bluebirds held a commanding lead, their defense continued to allow for opportunities to score.
Three Bluebirds ended with double digits in scoring: Scholle, 14; Abbigail Funk, 12; and Jaicee Griffin, 11.
The Goessel girls are now 8-3 overall and 3-0 in league play.
The Bluebirds next will have three Wheat State League road games: at Centre (1-12), at Wakefield (3-7), and at Little River (7-0).
