Buffs fall one win from state tourney

Rawlins County junior Amy Crouse (22) watches for an open teammate around the defense of Dundy County-Stratton’s Sable Lambley during their game at Atwood, Kan., earlier this season. Crouse collected 14 rebounds during one of the Buffaloes’ substate tournament games last weekend.

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

STOCKTON, Kan. — Sophomore Kristen Beckman shot a sizzling 65 percent in two substate games, but Stockton was slightly hotter during its 73-65 finals win over Rawlins County (Kan.) Saturday night.

The Buffaloes finished one win from 1A state tournament play despite Beckman scoring 48 points — 28 vs. Triplains-Brewster on Friday and 20 against Stockton.

Rawlins ruled the Friday semifinal, 65-51, as Beckman tallied 28 points to eliminate TriPlains-Brewster.

Beckman buried 10 of 15 shots including perfect three-for-three from three-point range.

Freshman Kierstyn Domsch blocked three shots while scoring another 13 points.

Junior Amy Crouse netted another 13 and sophomore Libby Mosley tallied 10 to advance the Buffaloes (10-12 final record) into Saturday’s substate championship game.

Beckman added eight rebounds along with five assists.

She shot seven-for-11 on Saturday en route to 20 points. Crouse provided an awesome 1-2 Buffalo punch, delivering 19 points and 14 rebounds.

Yet the top-seeded Stockton Tigers (16-6 record) took a 20-8 lead which reached 41-18 by halftime.

Rawlins showed great resiliency during a 24-10 third period. The Buffaloes totaled 47 second-half points but couldn’t get much closer than that 73-65 final margin.

Junior forward Angela Singhateh tossed in eight points and pulled down another five boards.

Domsch also liked Kobe Bryant’s old jersey number with her eight points.

The Buffaloes don’t feature a senior on their varsity roster, so they’ll be focused on finishing that state quest next season.

Other best Buffs this year were junior point guard Christina Frink and classmate Kaitlyn Livas.

The Rawlins County boys reached this week’s 1A-1 state tourney at Hays, Kan., starting Wednesday.