Hoxie Sweeps Russell

Girls: Hoxie 61, Russell 8
Boys: Hoxie 43, Russell 38

The Russell High School girls basketball team hosted Hoxie on Tuesday, January 24 at Amos Morris Gym in Russell and lost 61-8.

The Lady Indians led 21-0 after one quarter, 41-0 at intermission and 59-4 after three periods. The fourth stanza was played with a running clock and Hoxie, coming off a runner-up finish at the Mid-Continent League Tournament on Monday, cruised to the 61-8 win.

Junior Hannah Gideon led Russell with four points. Sophomore Taylor Birney and junior Harlee Donovan each scored two points.

Junior Josey Kennedy paced Hoxie with 21 points. Sophomore Emily Bainter and junior Ella Zerr each scored 10 points.

The Lady Indians outrebounded Russell 21 to 18 overall and eight to four on the offensive glass.

The Russell girls fall to 1-12 overall and 0-5 in the MCL.

The Hoxie boys also won Tuesday night in Russell, but in come-from-behind fashion. The Indians defeated Russell 43-38.

The Broncos started slow, but led 11-7 after the first period. Russell led 21-16 at halftime, but only held a 27-26 advantage after three frames. Through three quarters, Russell was 6-of-6 from the free throw line and Hoxie had not yet even attempted a foul shot. Hoxie senior Miles Baalman scored six of his game-high 16 points in the fourth quarter, the Indians made 8-of-14 free throws in the final period and came back to win 43-38.

Russell ended up shooting 13-of-18 from the foul line.

Senior Jordayn Buhrle paced Russell with 14 points and 10 rebounds, his second double-double of the season. Senior Jackson Cross followed with eight points.

Baalman led all scorers with 16 points for Hoxie followed by 14 points from senior Brady Jones.

The Indians outrebounded the Broncos just 24 to 23 overall, but nine to five on the offensive boards.

The Russell boys fall to 8-6 overall and 3-2 in the league.

Next up, the Russell girls and boys step out of league play to host Goodland on Friday, January 27. It's also Winter Sports Night. The girls game tips off at 6 PM with the boys following at around 7:45. Catch both games as well as the king and queen crowning ceremony on KRSL AM 990, 98.1 FM and KRSL.com.