In a series of Central Kansas League basketball matchups on March 15, 2024, the Larned girls’ team achieved a decisive victory over Pratt, while the boys’ team faced a significant defeat. The girls’ performance showcased their offensive strength, while the boys struggled against a dominant Pratt squad.
The Larned girls’ team triumphed with a final score of 56-31. Leading the charge was Jadyn Crosby, who scored 18 points. Brooke Simmons contributed an impressive 11 points. The Larned girls started strong, with a first-quarter score of 13-6 and maintained their lead throughout the game.
In contrast, the Pratt girls’ team was led by Johanna Forssberg, who scored 11 points. Despite her efforts, Pratt could not keep pace with Larned’s offensive output, as they fell behind in each quarter. The game ended with Larned outscoring Pratt in every period, illustrating their control on the court.
Larned’s performance was as follows: Crosby scored six field goals, including two three-pointers, and made four of six free throws. Simmons made five shots, including one from beyond the arc, and successfully converted all her free throws. Other contributors included Wachs with 8 points and Sleder with 9 points.
In contrast, the Larned boys’ team faced a daunting challenge against Pratt, suffering a heavy loss with a final score of 75-25. Arley Morrell of Pratt dominated the game, scoring an impressive 32 points and effectively shutting down Larned’s leading scorer, Kylier Greene.
The boys’ game showcased Pratt’s offensive prowess, as they built an early lead of 24-9 by the end of the first quarter. They continued to extend their lead, scoring 25 points in the third quarter alone. Larned struggled to find their rhythm, managing only two points in the second quarter and a total of 25 points throughout the game.
For Larned, Landis Hagerman was the standout player, scoring 10 points, while Tristan Regan added 7 points. The team overall struggled to convert on opportunities, finishing with just eight field goals made throughout the contest.
The contrasting outcomes of the games highlighted the strengths of Larned’s girls’ team compared to the challenges faced by the boys’ team. As the Central Kansas League season progresses, both teams will look to build on their experiences, with the girls aiming to maintain their momentum and the boys striving to recover from this setback.
