Hesston, KS -


The Larks grabbed their first win of the season last night in their season opener against Nationwide Prep Academy by a score of 66-57.  Hesston moves to 1-0 on the season, and head coach Matt Hiebert secures his first win as the Larks head coach.  


The Larks and the Bengals traded scores for much of the first half, until Hesston began to take over with 6:37 left in the half after a couple of buckets by (RS Fr. Elijah Smith Kansas City, Missouri) to put the Larks up 23-18.  They would see their lead grow to 13 points at the end of the first half as they led 38-25 after some big baskets by Langston Flowers (So. Dallas, Texas) and Juwuan Clifton (So. Conway, Arkansas).  The Larks began the second half with a basket by Elijah Smith as he splashed home a three to put the Larks up by 16 points.  Nationwide fought back and shrunk the Larks lead to 8 points, but Hesston continued to put their foot on the gas pedal, and grew their lead back up to 13 points with 6:29 left in the game.  Hesston would go on a secure their first victory by a score of 66-57 after Jerome Jackson (So. Kansas City, Missouri) drained two free throws to end the game.  Hesston saw big performances from Elijah Smith, Juwuan Clifton, and Langston Flowers as they all three scored in double figures.  

Hesston will look to go 2-0 on the season as the travel to El Dorado, Kansas on Saturday, January 23 at 2:00 PM to face off with Butler County CC.  


TEAM LEADERS
Points: 17 (Juwuan Clifton)
Rebounds: 10 (Ethan Hildebrand) 
Assists: 6 (Elijah Smith)
Steals: 4 (Langston Flowers)
Blocks: N/A