Hot-starting Eagles await Bison at Topside

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

R.B. Headley

GOODLAND, Kan. — The basketball-crazy Sunflower State awaits McCook boys and girls in this week’s Topside Invitational Tournament.

McCook will be playing its first varsity games since the original openers vs. Valentine were postponed due to snow.

The Colby Eagles are flying into both Bison openers.

Colby’s girls blasted Burlington, 66-26, last week by allowing just 21 percent shooting (10 for 47) while forcing 20 turnovers.

The Eagles and McCook Bison meet at 9 p.m. (8 p.m. mountain) in Goodland on Thursday.

Expect Kansas Jayhhawk, K-State Wildcat and maybe even some Wichita State Shocker fans to be cheering those Eagles.

McCook High principal Jeff Gross’ Fort Hays Tigers aren’t too many hours west on I-70.

Goodland resides about 15-20 miles within the Mountain time zone.

The Colby boys were equally dominant throughout a 61-27 victory over Burlington, Kan.

They took a 25-6 lead through one quarter which reached 42-9 at intermission.

McCook’s boys take on these Eagles at 7 p.m. approximately (6 p.m. mountain) on Thursday.

Coach Jeremy Yilk’s team would love to deliver two impressive wins like last year’s Topside Tourney runner-up finish.

A glance at all the tourney matchups (all times central):

GIRLS

Thursday: Norton vs. Yuma, 3 p.m.; Burlington vs. Wray, 5 p.m.; Goodland vs. Lakin, 7 p.m.; McCook vs. Colby, 9 p.m.

Semifinals are 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Friday with consolation semis at same time.

McCook plays Norton or Yuma in first semifinals.

Saturday’s title game is set for 6 p.m.

Seventh and fifth place games tip at noon; third place game scheduled at 2 p.m.

BOYS

Thursday: Burlington vs. Lakin, Kan., 3 p.m.; Norton, Kan., vs. Yuma, Colo., 5 p.m.; McCook vs. Colby, 7 p.m.; Goodland vs. Wray, Colo., 9 p.m.

Semifinals are 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. on Friday. Colby-McCook winner will meet Norton or Yuma in first semifinals. Consolation semis at same time.