McCook hoops teams drop first two at Topside

GOODLAND, Kan. — McCook High’s varsity basketball teams both lost close contests on Thursday to start Topside Tournament play.

The Bison girls fell, 46-40, against Norton, Kan. largely because Norton made 19 of 24 free-throw attempts for nearly 80 percent.

Hallie Brooks’ game-high 22 points featured 14 for 17 accuracy at the charity stripe.

KcAnna Keiswetter added eight points with four of four free throws.

McCook (2-1) suffered its first defeat this season though senior Brooklynn Gillen’s 15 points featured seven of seven three-throw shooting before she fouled out.

Senior Paige Bortner put in eight points as did sophomore Cali Crawford, who was coming off a school-record 34 against Valentine Saturday evening.

Junior Jaylea Walgren added five points including a first-quarter three for McCook’s only triple all game.

Senior Malia Hilker hit McCook’s first basket and finished with four points.

Crawford cleaned the glass for seven rebounds with Bortner securing six.

Gillen swiped five steals and Walgren four.

The boys’ contest featured Norton breaking away for a 69-56 victory over McCook later Thursday night.

The Bison (1-2) fell short though junior Trey Tiller delivered his varsity-best 19 points with four threes during that opening half.

Yet Norton (2-0) unleashed a 25-point first quarter and managed to fight off any Bison comebacks.

Other official stats were not obtained before today’s Gazette press deadline. The teams play at 7 and 9 CST tonight.