The Ellsworth girls’ basketball team welcomed the Southeast of Saline Trojans to the Bearcat gymnasium Jan. 30, with the game having big implications for the league crown. Ellsworth and Southeast both came into the contest as two of the hottest teams in Class 3A, with the Bearcats on a four-game winning streak, while the Trojans crept back into the state rankings at No. 8, winning their last seven games.

With the two defenses at their best, Southeast held on to a slim 2-0 lead for the first two minutes of the game. The Bearcat defense continued to remain strong throughout the opening period, forcing five Trojan turnovers, but the offense continued to have struggles as the opening period ended with a 15-6 Southeast lead. Ellsworth continued to uncharacteristically have struggles throughout the game, as the Trojans continued to build their lead to 32-14 at halftime and went on to win the game 58-21.

Ellsworth’s record moves to 10-4 overall, including a 4-3 NCAA league record. They host Minneapolis Feb. 10.