Ellsworth Fends Off Lyons, Advances to Sub-State Title Game

HOISINGTON-Will Cravens scored 22 points as the Ellsworth Bearcats overcame a slow start and rallied to defeat Lyons 55-45 Thursday evening in the Boys Class 3A Sub-State Semifinals at the Hoisington Activity Center.  

Lyons which lost to Ellsworth in the season opener for both teams 59-31 on December 1 raced out to an early 5-0 lead before Ellsworth tied the score twice later in the first quarter before the Lions settled for a 14-11 advantage at the end of the first eight minutes.  

Fourth-seeded Lyons stretched the lead to 16-11 early in the second quarter before Ellsworth went on an 8-0 run to grab their first lead at 19-16.  The Bearcats clawed their way to a 26-22 edge at the half after outscoring Lyons 15-8 in the period.

In the third quarter, Ellsworth used three-point baskets by Lane Rolfs and Dax Leiker to increase their advantage to 36-27 heading to the fourth quarter.  After Lyons reached the five-foul limit midway through the final period, the Bearcats sank 14 of 18 free throw attempts to salt the game away despite Cravens being held without a field goal for the entire second half.  

Rolfs joined Cravens in double figures for Ellsworth (18-4) with 12 pionts while three players scored in double figures for Lyons (8-14) led by 11 points by Xavier Solis followed by 10 apiece from Tegan Link and Ethan Luck.  

Ellsworth for the game was 18 of 26 from the free throw line while Lyons was 2 of 4 and did not attempt a free throw in the second half.

With the victory, #1 seed Ellsworth moves into the Sub-State Championship game on Saturday, March 2 back in Hoisington where they will face #2 seed Haven which defeated host school and #3 seed Hoisington later Thursday evening 43-35.  Tip-off on Saturday is set for 5 p.m. and the game will be broadcast live on Classic Hits 107.9 FM KZRS and online at KRSL.com.