Beavers wrap up non-conference slate with split in Cimarron
Cimarron, Kan. (westernkansasnews.com)–January was a grueling month for Scott City. With half of their regular season played in the month, there was little time for rest. In the end, both teams finish 5-5 in the month after Tuesday, as Cimarron held on for the 48-43 win, while the Beaver boys use a 12-0 run in the second half to win 55-49.
Girls
Scott City knew the battle against Cimarron would be a good challenge, but even more of a challenge down a starter in Kaitlyn Roberts. Roberts was out of the lineup due to a lingering injury, and has been out since the second half of the Goodland game. The game saw two lead changes. When the Lady Bluejays went on an 11-0 run, they never trailed again. Cimarron took a 15-9 lead after the opening eight minutes of play, only to see the Lady Beavers battle back. Scott City used an 8-5 second quarter run to pull to within 20-17 at the break. They cut it to 20-19 in the first 30 seconds of the second half, only to see Cimarron go on another run. The Lady Bluejays put up nine straight to take a 29-19 lead with 4:55 remaining in the third quarter. Scott City (7-8) would rally back, going on an 8-3 run over the final 4:11 of the third period to get to within 32-27 lead going into the fourth quarter. Whenever the Lady Beavers would score, Cimarron (10-4) would respond back. Scott City made one final push, getting to within three points on a pair of occasions in the final quarter, with the last being at 43-40 with 47.6 secons left. Unforunately, untimely turnovers cost the Lady Beavers the opportunity to rally. Aurda Burns and Taylor Jantz led the way for Cimarron with 13 points, and Michaela Pachner added 10. The Lady Bluejays were 20-29 at the foul line, and committed 17 turnovers. Scott City was led by Bailey Latta with 11 points, as the Lady Beavers committed 14 of their 22 turnovers in the first half. They were 13-18 at the free throw line. Cimarron has now won seven of the last eight against Scott City, and are now 9-4 over the last 13 games against the Lady Beavers. In games decided by five points or less, Scott City is now 0-3 on the year, and are 2-5 in games decided by 10 points or less.
Coach Sarah McCormick Postgame
Boys
Two teams entering the game with win streaks met up, as the Beavers looked to match Cimarron in the win total. It looked as though Scott City was well on their way, jumping out to a 6-0 lead, only to see the Bluejays answer back with six straight to tie the game up with 4:59 remaining in the opening quarter. A 6-2 run gave the Beavers the 12-8 lead with 2:55 left in the first frame. Cimarron would close out the first quarter with a three pointer to take the 18-16 lead after one period. The Bluejays would lead for a majority of the second quarter, as they took a 25-20 lead with 3:48 left before halftime. Scott City (9-6) closed out the half on an 8-0 run to take a 28-25 halftime lead. Afer Cimarron (9-5) tied the game up at 32 with an and-one with 3:38 remaining in the third quarter, Scott City went on a 12-0 run to lead 44-32 with 7:44 remaining in the game. The Bluejays, however, would not go down without a fight. A 7-1 run pulled them to within 45-39 with 5:05 remaining. The Beavers used a 5-0 run to lead 52-41 with 3:06 remaining. That’s when Cimarron made their last surge. A pair of three’s would cut the score to 53-49 with 42 seconds left. Scott City used a home run pass to get a layup for the final points of the night, snapping a six-game winning streak for the Bluejays, while extending the Beavers win streak to three. Bo Hess led the charge for Scott City with 20 points, and Jordan Horn added 12. The Beavers were 7-12 at the foul line and had only eight turnovers. Three Bluejays had double figures, led by K-State football walk-on product Nick Ast with 20 points, while Jaylen Pickle had 13 and Blake Neuschafer had 10 points respectively. Cimarron finished 10-11 at the free throw line, and had 10 turnovers. With the win, Scott City has now won 11 consectutive in the series dating back to 2005, and have now won 29 straight games against current and former members from the High Plains League since 2009. Scott City is now 4-5 in games decided by 10 points or less.
Coach Brian Gentry Postgame
Scott City returns home to face Colby on Friday, while Cimarron heads to Lakin on Friday.
