Broncos, Rawlins Buffs split in Kansas

Wauneta-Palisade sophomore Cali Cox (15) drives around a strong screen from freshman teammate Peyton Cox (23) in the Broncos’ win over Rawlins County Tuesday evening. The combo also scored 40 points for 16-6 Wauneta-Palisade.

Allison Sandman/Johnson Publications

ATWOOD, Kan. — Wauneta-Palisade’s girls keep finding ways to win while gaining momentum for subdistrict playoffs starting next week.

On Tuesday, a physically “buff” Rawlins County Buffaloes presented plenty of challenges.

Yet freshman post Peyton Cox stepped up to score 22 points and sophomore guard Cali Cox added 18.

Wauneta-Palisade’s Braxton McKinney (11) battles defensive pressure from Rawlins County’s Isaac Domsch (0) in Atwood, Kan., Tuesday evening.

Allison Sandman/Johnson Publications

The Broncos took a 17-10 lead through one quarter while never really trailing throughout their 60-54 victory.

“I thought we did a great job holding our own,” coach Matt Cox said about his 16-6 Broncos. “We found different ways to score, a lot of mid-range jumpers we have been missing for awhile. It was an important road win for us right before district seeding.”

The Broncos continue to win without senior top scorer Haylee Sandman, who bumped her head on Medicine Valley’s floor during another tough Bronco triumph last week.

W-P proceeded to outrun Sutherland, 69-64, last weekend before conquering the Kansas road trip.

“She (Sandman) just at the last stages of the return to play protocol after hitting her head last week,” the coach confirmed.

Good news is Sandman will return for another big test, hosting Maywood-Hayes Center Friday night.

WAUNETA-PALISADE (60) — Peyton Cox 22 points, Cali Cox 18, Zoey Boos 8, Payton Yearous 3, GraCee Goings 1. Three-pointers: Cali Cox 2.

RAWLINS COUNTY (54) — Mariyah Nichols 20 points, Sadie Sramek 13, Kierstyn Domsch 9, Michaela Rippe 6, Abby Micek 6. Three-pointers: Domsch 2, Micek.

Boys

Junior guard Jose Paz put in 15 points and powered the Rawlins County (Kan.) Buffaloes past Wauneta-Palisade, 43-39, Tuesday night.

Paz hit a trio of three-point shots, two during the first quarter as Rawlins (4-11 record) jumped in front, 13-12.

Bryan Rodriguez added five early points en route to nine total while Travis Chvatal scored six.

Isaac Domsch and Brandon Chvatal netted five points apiece.

Senior Braxton McKinney’s game-high 18 points paced the 3-17 Broncos.

McKinney delivered eight in the fourth quarter but made his team’s only field goals.

Junior Ruel Malcolm was next among Bronco top scorers with nine points. Aidan Kennicutt contributed six and Grant Walker four.