Sports

by the I-R Staff

The Ellsworth Bearcat wrestlers hosted the Ellsworth Invitational meet Saturday at Ellsworth High School.

At 106-pounds, Ellsworth’s freshman grappler, Teagon Nienke placed 4th with two wins and three losses for the day. He defeated Larned 2-7 (Fall 0:27) and Hoisington 11-9 (Dec 9-2). He lost to Russell, Ell-Saline and Hill City.

To read more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition. http://etypeservices.com/Ellsworth%20County%20Independent%20ReporterID559/

Bearcat Drew Kratzer eyes the court for an open pass.

To read more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition. http://etypeservices.com/Ellsworth%20County%20Independent%20ReporterID559/

Kolby Davis, a senior at Ellsworth Junior/Senior High School, signed Dec. 7 to play basketball at Barton County Community College for Cougar’s head coach Alan Clark next fall, 2018. She was awarded a full scholarship. In the photo above, Davis, (center) is flanked by her parents, Dina Davis and Ron Davis. Back row: Lady Bearcat basketball assistant coach Kevin Haxton, left, and Lady Bearcat basketball head coach Ken Cravens.

To read more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition. http://etypeservices.com/Ellsworth%20County%20Independent%20ReporterID559/

Editor’s Note — The Central Plains Lady Oilers are defending champions of Kansas 2A state basketball. This story was written this past summer by I-R sports editor Mark McCoy for Kansas Hardwood magazine.

By Mark McCoy
Ellsworth County I-R

CLAFLIN — The summer Solstice of 2017 ( June 21) was a special day for the Lady Oilers of Central Plains, as the girls returned to the Oilerdome to pick up their Kansas 2A State basketball championship rings. The Lady Oilers began a tradition of purchasing championship rings with their first State basketball title in the 2013-14 season.

By the I-R staff

Riley Dietz scored 19 points and Katie Zelenka added 10 as the Wilson Lady Dragons pulled away from a feisty Natoma squad 55-25 Dec. 19 in girls basketball action at Wilson.

Wilson led 9-3 after the first quarter but in the second period Hannah Chambray helped draw the Lady Tigers closer with six points to cut the deficit to 19-12 by halftime.

To read more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition. http://etypeservices.com/Ellsworth%20County%20Independent%20ReporterID559/

By the I-R staff

The Lady Bearcats failed to overcome a talented Russell team Dec. 19 at Ellsworth. The final score was 48-38, leaving the Lady Broncos in sole possession of first place in the North Central Activities Association as the holiday break starts.

Ellsworth was forced to play catch up from the first quarter, which ended with Russell ahead 12-9. The second quarter ended with 10 points for Russell, compared to Ellsworth’s 7. The Lady ‘Cats put another 7 points on the scoreboard in the 3rd quarter. Russell posted 15 points.

To read more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition. http://etypeservices.com/Ellsworth%20County%20Independent%20ReporterID559/

By the I-R staff

The Ellsworth boys held Russell to a season-low 30 points in league play Dec. 19 at Ellsworth. The Bearcats led 19-14 at the half, 36-22 after three quarters.

The ‘Cats were up by as many as 21 in the fourth and final quarter.

To read more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition. http://etypeservices.com/Ellsworth%20County%20Independent%20ReporterID559/

By Addison Crites and Rachel Lamatsch

The second-ranked 2A Lady Oilers remained perfect in this early season with a 79-13 win over Larned.

Julie Donecker put up the first points of the game, 48 seconds in, after making two foul shots.

To read more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition. http://etypeservices.com/Ellsworth%20County%20Independent%20ReporterID559/

By the I-R staff

Wilson took it down to the wire Friday night at Lincoln, but all was well when the final buzzer sounded as the Dragons ended the contest 40 to 37.

Wilson dominated the first quarter, which ended with a score of 14-6 and included two, 3-pointers from Dragons Tristan Soukup and Jayden Bess.

To read more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition. http://etypeservices.com/Ellsworth%20County%20Independent%20ReporterID559/

By Taylor Holecek
For the I-R

The Lady Bearcats beat the Beloit Lady Trojans Friday at Ellsworth. In the first quarter, Ellsworth started its lead by scoring 21 points over Beloit’s 14. The Lady ‘Cats fell back in the second quarter by one point, 23-24.

In the third quarter, the Lady ‘Cats were behind by one point again, 33-34, while both teams scored 10 points. In the fourth, Ellsworth surpassed the Trojans, scoring 14-3, and bringing the final score of 47-37.

To read more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition. http://etypeservices.com/Ellsworth%20County%20Independent%20ReporterID559/