DCS pulls away from Rawlins County

Phalen Sanford (12) goes up for two of his 17 points, while Lane Hemel (42) and Jerry Oelschlager (11) play defense. Photo by Gabe Gauthier/McCook Gazette.

BENKELMAN, Neb. -- Dundy County-Stratton may have had a dessert raffle at halftime, but the Tigers weren't leaving their fortunes to chance.

Led by Brayden Baney's 22 points, DCS beat Rawlins County 63-53 Tuesday in Benkelman.

The Tigers started the game with an 11-4 run before Rawlins County responded with its own 13-8 stretch. Nick Withington's dunk sparked the Buffs' momentum midway through the opening period.

The ebb and flow of the second quarter gave DCS a 35-27 lead at halftime.

DCS' big quarter came after intermission, when the Tigers outscored the Buffs 17-8 in the third. Wyatt Britt's put back made it 42-33 DCS before the Tigers went on a 10-2 run to close the stanza.

Rawlins County closed the contest by scoring the game's final nine points, but it wasn't enough.

Baney's 22 points were a game-high, while Phalen Sanford unofficially chipped in 17. Noah Kerchal and Guillermo Diaz scored eight and six points, respectively.

For Rawlins County (2-4), Withington led the way with 17 points. Braden Leitner scored 10, all of which came in the second half, while Wyatt Britt and Dylan Dulany added eight points each.

Both teams return to action this Friday, Dec. 16. DCS (5-1) plays a road contest at St. Francis, Kan., while Rawlins County hosts Hoxie, Kan.

GBB: DCS 63, Rawlins County 35

Kristen Beckman (15) hits this jump shot against Payton Zarkwoski (33) and the rest of the DCS defense. Photo by Gabe Gauthier/McCook Gazette.

Relentless pressure and aggressive play equaled a big win for the Dundy County-Stratton Lady Tigers.

34 turnovers and a 26-8 free throw discrepancy helped DCS to a 63-35 win over Rawlins County, Kan., Tuesday in Benkelman.

Just like last week's Cattle Trail Tournament, the Lady Tigers came flying out of the gates. Full-court pressure led to a 27-11 DCS lead after the opening quarter, which then got stretched to 38-19 at intermission.

Rawlins County would fight its way back to 42-29 on an Angela Singhateh bucket, but that was the closest the Lady Buffs came for the rest of the contest.

DCS responded with a 15-0 run that stretched well into the fourth quarter to put the game away. The Lady Buffs went on a long scoring drought before Natalie Hawkins' basket with 5:10 left in regulation.

DCS (6-0) was led by Aubrey Frederick's 15 points, while Emily Jones and Payton Zarkowski each had 13 points. Adalene Krutsinger chipped in eight, while Kami Porter had five despite missing most of the first half due to injury.

Gracie Higley had eight points to lead Rawlins County (2-4). Abigail Horton and Amy Crouse provided top support with seven points each.

The Lady Tigers shot 39 percent on 23-of-59 shooting, while the Lady Buffs made 15-of-36 attempts for 42 percent.

Rawlins County moves on to host Hoxie, Kan., while DCS is at St. Francis, Kan. Both contests are scheduled for Friday, Dec. 16.