KINGMAN -- Defending 2A state basketball champion Sterling is halfway home to upsetting 5A Great Bend with a 33-26 halftime lead.

Sterling led 10-2 and 24-16 and settled for a 33-26 halftime lead on two free throws by Jacob Lewis with three seconds left.

All-stater Ian Premer converted 1 of 6 field goals in a 6-point half. The Panthers made 6 of 14 free throws while Sterling made 8 of 14 charity tosses.

Both teams played hard-nosed man-to-man defense, but none of the defense was rewarded.

The first half was officiated tightly with 22 fouls and 28 free throws by two aggressive physically talented teams. Most hard drives to the basket were awarded with free throws. Eight players were tagged with at least two fouls.

Sterling 16 17 —

Great Bend 12 14 —

STERLING (FG/3/FT/TP)—Smith 2-6 2

See Full Page