By Brad Hallier
ELBING, Kan. – With little room for error, the Sterling boys needed a win Friday against Berean Academy to keep pace in the Class 2A Sterling substate standings.
A Friday win would keep the Black Bears very much in the hunt for the second seed in a loaded substate. A loss, and Sterling would likely look at either the fourth or fifth seed.
The Black Bears started strong, held off a second-half rally, and pulled away late for a 53-42 home win over Berean Academy.
After leading 27-15 at halftime, and soon leading by as many as 15 points, Sterling saw Berean make a charge, getting as close as two points. But a Gabe Riffel basket steaded the Black Bears.
Sterling improves to 13-4 and needs one more win or Remington loss to clinch a first-round home game, and the Black Bears also are just one game behind Moundridge and Inman for second and third.
Berean Academy girls 50, Sterling 11 – Although Berean struggled early offensively, the Warriors’ defense was on point again as they clinched the top seed in the Sterling substate.
Berean didn’t score for nearly four minutes, but managed to lead 5-2 after one quarter. The lead grew to 18-6 at half, and the Warriors then dominated the second half, outscoring Stelring 32-5.
