Sports

BELOIT — The Ellsworth baseball team split a doubleheader against the Beloit Trojans March 28 on the Trojans’ home turf. The Bearcats won the first game 13-0, but dropped the second one 8-5.

Central Plains Jr./Sr. High School Boys 1st Team Peyton Ryan — Senior guard 3rd TeamBrodie Crites —Freshman guardHonorable Mention Aiden Hekele — Junior forwardCentral Plains Jr./Sr. High School Girls1st Team*Marilyn Soeken — Junior guard 2nd TeamAddyson Ogle — Senior guard *Unanimous Selection

The steady thump and reverberation of bags hitting boards echoes through the Ellsworth Recreation Center and floats out the open door.Inside, about 10 players gather March 19 for a friendly game of cornhole.“It came about because some of us [had] an interest,” organizer Cliff Martin said.

Bearcats get knocked out in first round play against WellsvilleHUTCHINSON — In their first round state game against the Wellsville Eagles March 6 in Hutchinson, the Ellsworth boys’ basketball team faced a crushing 48-38 loss.

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.