Chase boys pull surprise win at Benkelman

Dundy County-Stratton senior Dante Horner draws plenty of defensive attention but still fires up a tough leaning shot in Tuesday’s annual collision at Benkelman. Chase County delivered a surprising win over the 7-2 Tigers.

Steve Towery/McCook Gazette

BENKELMAN, Neb. — Chase County’s boys have literally turned January into a “new year” before, and Tuesday was a good sign with their 60-45 win at Dundy County-Stratton.

The Longhorns (4-6) surged past a Tiger team that had lost only once in eight previous games.

They snapped a 23-23 halftime tie on Tuesday night behind Zack Anderson scoring 16 of his 20 points in those final two quarters.

Lukas Fries joined this fun with eight fourth-quarter points to finish with 17.

They perfectly followed Aaron Cervantes and his seven-point first period.

Lleyton McDaniel and Brandon Chavira both hit clutch triples for coach Chris Bartels’ team, who rebounded from a slow start last year to finish strong.

DC-S (7-2) actually suffered its second consecutive defeat after falling by one point in holiday tournament play at Chambers-Wheeler-Central.

Senior August Shaw did hit a trio of three-pointers while Ethan Latta joined him in double figures, scoring 10 total.

The Tigers will look for more consistent offense while playing Class C-2 basketball season rather than their usual D-1 competition.

They’ll host Decatur Community (Kan.) tonight to finish girls-boys doubleheader.

LONGHORNS (60) — Zak Anderson 20 points, Lukas Fries 17, Aaron Cervantes 7, Lleyton McDaniel 5, Brandon Chavira 5, Aidan Tomky 4, Destry Oxford 2.

Three-pointers: Anderson 3, McDaniel, Chavira.

DC-S TIGERS (45) — August Shaw 11 points, Ethan Latta 10, Blaine Aldridge 6, Breck Horner 6, Cooper Shaw 6, Dante Horner 4, August Shaw 4, Braxton Merklin 2. Three-pointers: Shaw 3, Dante Horner.