Salina Central’s girls team had had a tough Feb.

Coming in to Thursday night’s game at home, the Mustangs had lost three straight. However, SC was able to turn it around with an upset 63-51 win over Andover Central.

The Mustangs led from start to finish. Kadyn Cobb played arguably her best game on the season converting on crucial 3-pointers and being a pest in the passing lanes while the Jaguars had the ball.

While SC led all first half, their lead was just four at the break, 25-21.

Salina Central was finally able to stretch its lead to 44-34 going in to the final quarter. Seniors, Selah Merkle and Holly Sanderson made big plays all night to keep the Mustangs in front as their lead would never get below eight in the final stanza.

Andover Central (12-8) struggled to slow the Mustang attack. Jaden Newfarmer led the way with 17 points. Bailey Wilborn scored 14, while Brittany Hershaw added in 13.

Salina Central (11-9) played with good poise all night long. Merkle led the way in her final game at the Brickhouse with 15 points. Both Cobb and Kierscht scored 13 and Sanderson tied her career-high 10 points.

The Mustangs must face the Jaguars again in less than a week though, as they’ll play at Andover Central in the first round of the 5A Substate Tournament next Wednesday.

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SALINA CENTRAL BOYS 51, Andover Central 43

Salina Central would come from behind on Thursday night for its best win of the season to knock off the No. 2 ranked team in 5A.

Andover Central hit some big shots in the first half and appeared to be in control at halftime, leading SC 26-19.

Salina Central made some halftime adjustments offensively and began to attack the rim more, which allowed lanes to open up for better shots.

SC took its first lead of the game since it was 2-0 in the final minute of the third quarter, however, a Jerome Washington 30-foot 3-point shot at the buzzer put the Jags up 39-38 going to the final quarter.

Harper Williams continued to will SC in the last quarter putting the Mustangs up by two after a 3, 43-41. The Mustangs followed that up with a stop at the three minute mark but were looking for the final knockout blow.

It came by way of senior Kameron DeMars who sank his third 3-pointer on the game with 2:50 to go to finally put SC up five—their largest lead at that point. The Mustangs never looked back on their way to the upset win.

Andover Central (18-3) struggled with the SC defense. Easton Leedom scored 13 points, while both Xavier Bell and and Braden Belt scored 10, each.

Salina Central (15-5) ended the game on a 13-2 run. Williams led the Mustangs with 14 points. David Grammer chipped in 11 points. DeMars just missed out on double-figures with nine points.

The Mustang boys return to the Brickhouse next Thursday for a substate rematch with Hays in what could be coach Doug Finch’s final game on the home floor. Live coverage of both girls and boys substate games can be heard on 1150 KSAL.

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