Scott City — It’s been such a one-sided rivalry in recent years that when the Lakin boys can get a win over Scott City, it’s a big deal.
After 14 straight losses to the Beavers, the Broncs picked up an upset win against Scott City on the road in what became a thrilling 73-65 game.
But it didn’t start close at all, with Lakin taking a 23-5 lead after a quarter, when the Beavers hit just a single field goal in the first eight minutes.
The Broncs (10-2) appeared in control much of the first half, eventually taking a 44-24 intermission lead.
But the Beavers started finding their shot in the second quarter, while the Broncs cooled off a bit.
Still, it was hard to imagine that the second half would get close — but it did.
After the Broncs took a 50-29 lead, the Beavers finished the third period on a 13-8 run. Then it was their turn to hold the usually hot-shooting Lakin team to just two field goals in the final period, content with sending the Broncs to the line — which proved to be a good strategy. Lakin didn’t score another field goal after the 5:25 mark, instead settling for 10-of-17 from the line.
The closest Scott City could get, though, was six points twice in the final half minute.
For one coach, it was a great win with a teachable finish. For the other, it was a tough loss because of the slow start, but a good finish.
“We were pushing the tempo from the start with our press,” Lakin coach Nate Schmitt said. “We were getting some steals and making some shots.”
That described much of the first half.
“Then they started getting physical with us. They’re strong and athletic,” he said of the Beavers.
And when a team shoots from outside as much as Lakin, teams have to play them more physically, he added, and that started turning things in the Beavers’ favor.
“I wouldn’t say we didn’t handle (the extra physicality),” Schmitt, “but we turned it over some and we didn’t make them pay for fouling us.”
For the game, Lakin was 16 of 29 from the line, 12 of 26 from 3-point range and 22 of 54 overall.
They only turned the ball over once in the first half, but 10 times in the second with Scott City’s extra pressure.
“We did enough to hang on and win, and we’re very fortunate for that,” Schmitt said. “We got off to a great start, but we have to find a way to close out games.”
Lakin hit six 3s in the first quarter and its high-pressure defense held the Scott City shooters to just one of nine from the floor.
The Beavers finished 18 of 45 from the field (five of 19 from long range) and hit 14-of-19 free throws.
After turning it over 10 times in the first half, they did it just six times in the second half.
Lakin hit the boards hard in the first half, as well, getting nine second-chance looks. But the Beavers held them to just two second looks in the second half.
Just part of the game plan, Scott City coach Brian Gentry said. Just started a little later than he would have liked.
“They didn’t give us much of a choice, the way they started,” he said. “Defensively, we had a complete letdown of what we were supposed to be doing. We left shooters, gave up second- and third-chance opportunities.”
His team had no choice but to turn up the pressure, he added, and for that he gives his team credit.
“They didn’t quit. For a time it seemed like all hope was lost, but the guys didn’t back down,” Gentry said.
Hunter Kirby and Diego Davila led Lakin with 23 points each and Dawsen Shalberg added 16.
Jordan Horn, scoreless in the first, scored 22 to lead Scott City. Marshall Faurot added 15.
Lakin was coming off a title win Saturday in the Hi-Plains League tournament, but Schmitt said this might have been a bigger win.
“I’m probably more excited now after tonight’s win than after Saturday’s win,” he said. “This is a quality opponent. We went outside of our league and played a tough GWAC team and got a win. For nearly three quarters we dominated the game. That’s something to build on.”
Lakin will host Wiley, Colo., Friday while Scott City hosts Goodland, the second of six straight home games in three weeks.