DODGE CITY -- Struggling to find their shooting touch for the bulk of the Southern Plains Iroquois Activities Association championship game, the Spearville boys did enough to remain within striking distance of South Central. 

The Lancers then found their stroke when it mattered most. 

Spearville’s Ian Melendez hit a game-tying 3-pointer with seven seconds left to force overtime, and the Lancers went on to outlast South Central 48-43 last Saturday at Dodge City’s United Wireless Arena. It was Spearville’s first SPIAA Tournament title since 2016. 

South Central kept a cushion for most of the game but left the door open late in regulation with missed free throws.

Spearville’s Austin Ruiz was trapped at the top of the key and found Melendez on the left wing. The Lancer standout drained the 3-pointer with seven seconds left to knot it up at 41. 

“We ran a set, but then it kind of got scrambled up, so we were kind of all running around,” Melendez said. “It was really just, set a screen, pop, roll, get open, and, man, hopefully this goes in.

“It felt great off the hands, and I was just waiting for it to hit something, but it went right in and I was so excited.”

In the extra session, the Lancers got a big 3-point play from Kaleb Konrade inside. South Central managed just two points in overtime. 

Spearville coach Justin Heeke lauded his Lancers for hanging around and giving themselves a chance late despite struggling against South Central’s trapping zone defense for most of the game.

“This group loves each other, and didn’t have ‘no’  in their heart,” he said. “I think the biggest thing was we stayed on the court. If you hang around long enough, you never know. 

“When you’re thinking about how you want to win, generally speaking, you're not thinking: all right, I want to be down the whole game and then I want to fight back right at the end and hit massive shots and then win it in overtime. But I wouldn't have it any other way right now.”

Melendez and Austin Ruiz each had 12 points for the Lancers, who now are 15-4 on the season. Ruiz and Layson Wheaton, who finished with nine points, each hit big shots to help fuel the comeback. 

“The past three years, we've really struggled in this tournament,” Melendez said. “It just feels amazing to win this tournament my senior year.”

South Central, the state runner-up in 1A Division I last year, is now 14-2 on the season.

Jack Herd scored 20 points in the SPIAA title game for the Timberwolves. 
 

BELOIT-ST. JOHN’S NABS ANOTHER NPL TITLE 

Beloit-St. John’s repeated as Northern Plains League Tournament champions, topping Sylvan-Lucas 69-49 in the title game on Saturday in Lincoln. 

“We struggled right out of the gate against a tough Sylvan team,” St. John’s coach Lance Bergmann said. “We managed to fight through some early foul trouble and take a lead into halftime. 

“About halfway through the third quarter, we were able to get our confidence going and get some transition baskets. Our defense stepped up the intensity and we did a good job of rebounding to limit shot opportunities.”

Edward Horinek scored 25 points in the final while Grant Goodaker put up 20 and Gabriel Roderick added 10. 

“We had several guys step up and contribute, allowing us to utilize our ‘Better Together’ motto,” Bergmann said. “We started showing trust in our teammates, which resulted in good team wins. Finding ways to win, while struggling at times, was a big boost for our team.”

The Blujays beat Lincoln 65-57 in the first round of the tournament and beat Osborne 79-29 in the semifinal. St. John’s is 12-2 on the season. 
 

QUINTER CAPTURES NORTHWEST KANSAS LEAGUE TITLE 

Quinter’s Caedmon Bridges averaged 15 points and 9 rebounds and Gunner Catura added 13 points per game in the Northwest Kansas League tournament, leading the Bulldogs to the title. 

Quinter beat Oberlin-Decatur (54-43) in the final after posting wins over Greeley County (50-39) in the semifinals and Ness City (61-57) in the first round. 

“We were able to avenge an earlier loss to Greeley County before Christmas,” Quinter coach John Crist said. “The team is really playing well and we are getting nice contributions from our bench.”

Bridges scored a game-high 20 points in the title game while Jax Ruf added 11. 

Quinter is 13-3 on the season. 
 

TMP-MARIAN SECURES MCL TOURNAMENT TITLE 

Ty Schmeidler helped lead Thomas More Prep-Marian to the Mid-Continent League title, averaging 19 points throughout the tournament in Plainville. 

The Monarchs beat Plainville 57-46 in the title game on Saturday. 

Jacob Seib averaged 14 points and added 4 assists and 6 rebounds for the tournament, while  Will Eck added 9 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists per game for the Monarchs.

“I’m really proud of these guys and the effort they’ve put in all season,” TMP-Marian coach Bill Meagher said. “We’ve continued to grow together as a team and learn what it means to play harder and more connected basketball. It’s great to see that work pay off with a league championship for this group.”

TMP-Marian is 11-5 on the season. 
 

LAKIN WINS HI-PLAINS LEAGUE TITLE 

Lakin captured its third straight Hi-Plains League tournament title, defeating Stanton County 62-52 in the final on Saturday in Garden City. 

Florian Canac led the Broncs with 28 points in the championship game, adding seven assists and six steals. Reed Bemis and Aydyn Holloway each chipped in eight points. 

Lakin led 25-22 at halftime and outscored Stanton County 20-12 in the third quarter.

The Broncs are 8-6 on the season.