Sports

By pEYTON cOONRODEllsworth County I-RHOISINGTON — For the first time since 1991, the Ellsworth boys’ basketball team made it to the state tournament. Their 45-25 victory over Haven March 2 at Hoisington sealed their sub-state title.

HOISINGTON — The girls’ basketball team’s season came to a close when they faced a crushing loss to the Haven Wildcats 48-39 March 2 in the sub-state championship at Hoisington.This was the first substate championship appearance for the girls’ basketball program since 2013.

SALINA — Ellsworth junior Will Donley claimed fourth place in the 132-lb. weight bracket at the 1A-4A State Wrestling Tournament Feb. 22-24 at Tony’s Pizza Event Center, Salina.

GYPSUM — Three Bearcat boys qualified for state wrestling after an exciting regional meet Feb. 17 at Southeast of Saline.Wrestlers had to place in the top four to advance to state.“All of our kids did really well this year and at regionals,” Head Coach Steve Thorburn said.

The Ellsworth boys’ basketball team took a dominating victory over the Republic County Buffaloes in the Cats Homecoming game Feb. 9 with a final score of 65-25.After senior Riley Stone won the tip-off, the Cats made it their mission to gain and keep control throughout the game.

In their Homecoming game against the Republic County Buffaloes Feb. 9, the Ellsworth girls’ basketball team took a win of 44-32.After winning the tipoff, the Cats were ready to go. On the first possession, sophomore Elyse Haxton drove for a layup, got fouled and sank both free throws.

BELOIT — The girls’ basketball team ended with a tough 43-31 loss at Beloit Feb. 2. In their second matchup against the Trojans, they came up short for the second time.Scoring started out dry for both teams. However, Beloit put up the first 4 points before the Cats were on the board.

BELOIT — Despite battling from start to finish, the boys’ basketball team fell short against Beloit 68-50 Feb. 2 on the road. This was both the second league loss and second overall season loss for the Bearcats. The Trojans hold the only two victories over the Cats.

Hoisington — The Ellsworth boys’ and girls’ wrestling team competed in the Cardinal Classic Jan. 26.“The team is coming along nicely,” Assistant Coach Clint Donley said. “A lot of them are starting to hit their stride and taking their wrestling to the next level.”The boys had multiple placings.

HOISNGTON — For the first time in Bearcat history, the boys; basketball team took first place in the Hoisington Winter Jam tournament. Going 3-0 for the week, they started the tournament with a 64-13 win over Minneapolis.