Meade Falls to Republic Co in Overtime; Ness City Finishes Fourth

Manhattan, Kan. (westernkansasnews.com)–Playing in their second state title game, the Meade Buffaloes were looking to complete an undefeated season, with a basketball title to go along with their football crown from November. Meade saw Republic County score late in regulation to force overtime, and would fall 64-53 in overtime to finish as the Class 2A runners-up for a second straight year. Ness City was competing in the third place game earlier in the day, but fell to Moundridge 71-68.

In the battle of the Buffaloes, Republic County would hold the lead through the first three quarters. They led Meade 12-9 at halftime, 23-21 and 35-34 after three periods. Meade led by six with just under a minute to go, Republic County would not go away.  A lay-up with two seconds remaining tied the game at 48, and would force overtime. In the extra four-minutes, it was dominated by Republic County, as they outscored Meade 16-5 to win 64-53, and won their first title since 1999, when they were Belleville High School. Republic County (23-3) got a game-high 30 points from Trenton Kuhlman, and Trevor Allen added 21 points. Meade (24-1) was led by Jett Little with 15, Trevin Weens with 12 and 11 from Morgan Davis.

In the third place game, Moundridge led after each period, and held off a Ness City comeback attempt. The Wildcats led 20-18 after one, 41-33 at the break, and 58-49 after three. In the fourth, the Eagles made a comeback, and cut it to with in a point, as Moundridge hit two free throws late to push the score to 71-68. A three-point attempt for Ness City (17-9) fell short at the end. The Wildcats (19-6) got 22 points from Daniel Ratzlaff, while Tyler Kaufman had 13 and Colton Frazier had 11. For the Eagles, Collin Foos led the way with 31 points, while Dalton Gantz had 12 points and Garrett Flax added 10 points.