Longhorn boys survive Cimarron’s upset effort

Courtesy of Benjamin Hutchinson
Holcomb, Kan. (westernkansasnews.com)–The Holcomb Longhorns survived an upset bid in round one of sub-state to beat Cimarron 61-56 Monday night at home.

Cimarron came out swinging and would take an early 4-0 lead. The Longhorns would come back and take the lead 5-4 in what would become a back and forth first half. There would be nine lead changes in the first quarter. The Longhorns would lead 16-15 after one period. It would remain a close game, as there would be four ties and two lead changes in the second quarter. Holcomb would have the lead at half 29 28. In the third quarter, Cimarron would come out and take a 38-35 lead with four minutes to go in the third quarter. The Longhorns would respond with a 10-0 run and three straight three-pointers over two minutes to take the lead 45-38. There were four lead changes and one tie in the third quarter. Holcomb would have the lead 47-40 to start the fourth quarter. Cimarron would not go away and would be down by three points at 54-51 with four minutes to go. The Longhorns missed some free throws down the stretch, and lead 58-56 with 15 seconds to go after a three-pointer by Braxton Harrison. Cooper Autry would go one of two at the foul line, but a missed three-pointer by Cimarron, and a rebound and two made free throws by Damon Mesa would seal the win 61-56.

Cimarron shot 20/32 from two-point, 3/8 from three-point, and 7/11 from the free throw line. The Bluejays had 22 rebounds, four of those were offensive rebounds. They had 12 turnovers. Cimarron was led by Luke Janzen with 18 points, and Braxton Harrison with 29 points and 13 rebounds for a double-double.

Holcomb shot 15/26 from two-point, 7/26 from three-point and 8/13 from the free throw line. The Longhorns grabbed 19 rebounds, eight of those were offensive rebounds. They had six turnovers. Holcomb was led by Luke Tolbert with 10 points, Damon Mesa with 11 points and five rebounds, Kaden Johnson with 13 points, and Daegan Vanpelt with 14 points on four threes.

The Longhorns advance to round two of sub-state against Hugoton on Thursday night at 6 pm in Kingman.

Coach Chad Novack Postgame