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Stories of the Season |
Larks jump out to early lead, cruise to home win
A hot-shooting first half, something the Larks have been looking for this season, was just what the doctor ordered Tuesday night as the Hesston College women’s basketball team rolled to an 87-48 win versus Union College (Lincoln, Neb.) at Yost Center.
Hesston shot 45% from the field in the half en route to a 41-20 lead at the break. Freshman Hannah Frank-Jones (Arvada, Colo.) recorded a career-high 21 points, including 3/5 shooting from long range. Frank-Jones also led with four steals while pulling down five rebounds. Sophomore Bekah Johnson (Lebanon, Ore.) notched 13 points and six rebounds, and fellow sophomore Sarah Ingbretson (Castle Rock, Colo.) dished out a game-high six assists to go along with her eight points.
The Larks were especially proficient on the glass, holding a 50-27 advantage in rebounding over Union. Like Johnson, Freshmen Elice Frey (Riley, Kan.) and Lynae Wright (Little River, Kan.) pulled down six boards apiece.
“We needed a good offensive output to get our team going,” said Coach Dan Harrison. “I was pleased with the team balance we showed tonight.”
Hesston, now 4-5 on the year, is off until Saturday, November 22, when they travel to Lindsborg, Kan., to take on Bethany College JV at 3 p.m.
Larks drop region game to Johnson County
The Hesston College women’s basketball team fell to 3-5 on the season following a 74-57 loss to Johnson County Community College (Overland Park, Kan.) on Saturday afternoon.
Freshman Hannah Frank-Jones (Arvada, Colo.) led all scorers with a season-high 18 points while pulling down eight rebounds. Sophomore Amber Block (Henderson, Neb.) converted seven of 11 field goals en route to 15 points. As a team, the Larks shot just over 40% from the filed, but converted on just 5/12 free throws.
At one point, JCCC had built a 20-point lead, but the Larks were able to pull back within 10 late in the second half.
“Johnson County’s pressure hurt us early,” said Coach Dan Harrison. “It was good to see us keep working hard down the stretch, unfortunately we just ran out of gas in the last few minutes.”
The Larks look to rebound with a home game against Union College (Lincoln, Neb.) on Tuesday, November 18, beginning at 6 p.m.
Larks drop home contest versus Kansas City (Kan.) Community College
The Hesston College women’s basketball team fell to 3-4 on the year following a 60-50 home loss to Kansas City (Mo.) Community College at Yost Center on Thursday night. Three Hesston players scored in double figures, led by freshman Elice Frey (Riley, Kan.) with 11, while Kari Heusinkveld (Goshen, Ind.) and Amber Block (Henderson, Neb.) each contributed ten. Sophomores Sarah Ingbretson (Castle Rock, Colo.) and Bekah Johnson (Lebanon, Ore.) each pulled down six rebounds to lead the Larks.
“I thought we played well defensively in the first half,” said Coach Dan Harrison. “Our offensive efficiency was not what we wanted. We had too many turnovers in crucial situations.”
Hesston trailed by one at the half, but KCKCC was able to pull away down the stretch en route to the ten point win.
“I thought we had a great chance in the second half when we trailed by four,” added Harrison. “Unfortunately, we couldn’t draw closer for two straight possessions. Things could have been interesting if we would have been able to tie things up. It’s a tough loss, but we must get ready for Johnson County, which is always an important regional game for us.”
The Larks host Johnson County Community College (Overland Park, Kan.) on Saturday, with the game tipping at 2 p.m.
Injuries, Tired Legs catch up to Larks in loss at North Central Missouri College
The Hesston College women’s basketball team dropped a 65-55 decision at North Central Missouri College (Trenton, Mo.) on Saturday afternoon, despite building an eight point lead by halftime.
“I thought we played pretty well tonight,” said Coach Dan Harrison. “We simply ran out of gas in the second half.”
Playing their sixth game in just nine days to open the season, the Larks were led by 16 points from sophomore Amber Block (Henderson, Neb.), while freshman Lynae Wright (Little River, Kan.) and Kari Heusinkveld (Goshen, Ind.) added nine, and seven points, respectively.
The Larks, now 3-3 on the season, have several days off until their next game, a home date on Thursday, November 13 against Kansas City (Kan.) Community College. Game time is set for 6 p.m.
Fast start gives Larks home win
The Hesston College women’s basketball team improved its record to 3-2 on the year after beating Central Christian College JV (McPherson, Kan.) 68-35 on Friday night in Yost Center.
Freshman Kari Heusinvkeld (Goshen, Ind.) led the way in scoring with 16 for the Larks, while forward Elise Frey (Riley, Kan.) added 12 to go along with a team high three steals. Sophomore guard Sarah Ingbretson (Castle Rock, Colo.) recorded 10 points and pulled down a game high eight rebounds for Hesston.
“Our defensive intensity really set the tone for this win,” said Coach Dan Harrison. “This was the best start to a game we’ve had this season, everyone contributed to this win.”
After building a comfortable 34-20 half-time lead, the Larks defensive pressure put the game out of reach, holding Central Christian to just over 16% from the field after intermission. On the offensive end, Hesston shot 40% from the field while holding a 44-18 advantage on the boards.
Coming up next for Hesston is a home date versus Kansas City (Kan.) Community College on Thursday, November 13, as the Larks look to avenge a November 1 loss to KCKCC. Game time is set for 6 p.m.
Big second half not enough as Larks fall to Highland
After falling behind early in the game the Hesston College women’s basketball team came out on fire in the second half versus Highland (Kan.) Community College, but despite scoring 47 points after the break, the Larks dropped a one-point decision, 70-69.
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The Larks trailed by as many as 13 points in the second half but were able to scratch and claw their way by shooting 50% from the field after the break.
“I was really proud of the way we took care of the ball in the second half,” commented Coach Dan Harrison. “We had another rough start but turned things around to make it an exciting finish.”
A three-pointer by Heusinkveld moved the Larks to within three with just under five minutes to play, and after the teams traded buckets, freshman forward Breezie Sims (Wichita, Kan.) was fouled while converting a layup. Sims sunk the free throw to complete the three-point play and tie the game with 4:29 remaining.
Following a steal minutes later, Sims was fouled again, putting her on the line with the Larks down by two and less than 30 seconds remaining. Sims converted on one of two, pulling Hesston to within one. That would prove to be the final score, however, as the Larks drop to 2-2 on the year.
Hesston returns home for a matchup against Central Christian College JV (McPherson, Kan.) on Friday, November 7, beginning at 6 p.m.
Larks cruise to home win over Hillsdale
The Hesston College women’s basketball team improved to 2-1 on the season with a convincing 73-54 home win versus Hillsdale Baptist (Moore, Okla.) College on Monday night. Team depth and versatility were on display against Hillsdale, as 13 Lark players were in the scoring column, while no player was on the court for more than 18 minutes.
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“I was pleased with our offensive production tonight,” said Coach Dan Harrison. “We need to continue to work on taking better care of the ball, but overall I thought we played well.”
Defensively, four Hesston players recorded three steals each as the Larks forced 36 turnovers while holding Hillsdale to below 27% from the field. “Our intensity on defense was evident throughout the night,” added Harrison. “As a team, we have the ability to disrupt our opponents’ offense, which is something we set out to do each night.”
Hesston returns to action on Wednesday, November 5, with a road date versus district rival Highland (Kan.) Community College, beginning at 5 p.m.
Larks return 1-1 from Kansas City Tournament
The Hesston College women’s basketball team kicked off the new season with a 1-1 showing at the Kansas City (Kan.) Community College Classic this past weekend.
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“Our inexperience showed in our opener,” commented Coach Dan Harrison. “We turned the ball over too many times to be successful, but to the team’s credit they kept battling until the end.”
During Saturday’s contest versus host Kansas City (Kan.) Community College, the Larks displayed their resolve, coming from 12 points down to record a dramatic 50-48 win in the games final seconds. With the Larks trailing by two and under 30 seconds to play, Heusinkveld hit a runner to tie the game at 48. Following a defensive stand, freshman Jessica Coffman (LaGrange, Ind.) was fouled and converted the second of two free throws to give Hesston the lead. A Lynae Wright steal with six seconds remaining sent the freshman to the line where she also hit the second of two free throws to set the final score.
Freshmen Megan Ballard (Whitewater, Kan.) and Coffman led the Larks scoring with eight points each, while Wright (Little River, Kan.) and Heusinkveld, tallied seven apiece. Sophomore Bekah Johnson (Lebanon, Ore.) and Wright led the way on the glass with six and five rebounds, respectively, while sophomore guard Sarah Ingbretson (Castle Rock, Colo.) paced the offense with six assists.
“I was pleased with our defensive effort after the break,” commented Harrison. “Holding them (KCKCC) to 18 second half points was huge in allowing us to comeback.”
The Larks head back to Hesston for their home opener on Monday, November 3, versus Hillsdale Baptist (Moore, Okla.) College. Game time is set for 6 p.m.
Team depth a strength for Larks as Harrison takes over Hesston program
First year Head Coach Dan Harrison will rely on a deep roster this season as the Hesston College women’s basketball program prepares to open its schedule.
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Harrison lists three incoming point guards in 5'4" Jessica Coffman (LaGrange, Ind.), 5'6" Kari Heusinkveld (Goshen, Ind.), and 5'4" Yvonne Gonzales (Ulysses, Kan.).
Freshmen shooting guards include 5'8" Kassidy Yeakley (Milford, Neb.), 5'7" Trista Jett (Springfield, Colo.), and 5'8" Hannah Frank-Jones (Arvada, Colo.).
At forward, five newcomers have added depth to the Lark frontcourt. They are 5'10" Lynae Wright (Little River, Kan.), 5'11" Elice Frey (Riley, Kan.), 5'10" Breezie Sims (Wichita, Kan.), 5'10" Sarah Reynolds (Kansas City, Kan.), and 5'11" Megan Ballard (Whitewater, Kan.).
“Our preseason has been a wonderful time of bonding and developing team chemistry,” said Harrison. “It’s sometimes difficult to bring in so many new faces and have everyone jell together, but they are really working together in ways that makes me proud and excited as their coach.”
Harrison will have a full staff of assistants to help this season, something he points to as a real advantage as the season approaches.
“I’m blessed to have a great staff that is gifted in so many ways,” added Harrison. “The versatility that my assistants bring is just incredible.”
Returning from last year’s staff are Mel Buller, whose primary responsibility will be coordinating the team’s strength and conditioning program, and Brent Brockmueller, who works with post players as well as serving as the team’s academic coordinator.
“Mel’s work is essential for injury prevention,” commented Harrison. “I’m fortunate to have inherited her services. Brent’s role with the college Student Life Department provides an excellent tie to the student body.”
New to this year’s coaching staff are Hannah Gillham, a 2007 Hesston College grad and former basketball player, and Don Weaver, whose daughter Kara Weaver was also a 2007 Hesston grad and teammate of Gillham. Gillham will serve as recruiting coordinator for the Larks, while Weaver will serve as the head of basketball operations.
“As a recent grad, Hannah really understands what the players are going through,” said Harrison. “She is simply fantastic about encouraging the players in positive ways. Don brings a depth of experience in dealing with all the issues surrounding a basketball program. Being a parent of a former player, he brings a unique vantage point that I really appreciate.”
“With our depth this season, it will be important for us to play with great defensive effort and intensity every time out,” added Harrison. “I think this team has a chance to be solid. I definitely want our brand of basketball to be exciting for our fans.”
The Larks open their season with an October 31 date against Penn Valley (Kan.) Community College as part of the Kansas City Kansas Community College opening season tournament. The game will tip off at 2 p.m.
Larks kick off season with annual Midnight Madness event
The Hesston College men's and women's basketball programs kicked off the 2008-09 season with their annual "Midnight Madness" event on Friday night, October 3.
At precisely 11 p.m., the doors of Yost Center were opened and the majority of the Hesston College student body poured inside while the Screamin' Larks, the college's pep band, filled the gymnasium with rowdy music.
Emceed by Hesston College admissions counselor Charles Hostetler, the program started with a bang, as an all-star faculty team took on the Bills and Normas, a group of students who entertain the college throughout the year with improv skits, antics, etc., in a short scrimmage. Five hilarious minutes later, the scrimmage was pronounced a 2-2 tie, as neither team could muster more than a bucket.
 Hannah Frank-Jones |
"This was a great way to begin building excitement for the upcoming season," said women's Head Coach Dan Harrison. "It was wonderful for the players to be introduced to their fellow students and have such a warm response."
Two student contests came next, with B.J. Coblentz, a freshman from Mount Eaton, Ohio, winning the hot shot drill, while freshmen Abby Erb (Hesston, Kan.) and sophomore Katrina Zerger (Moundridge, Kan.) took home prizes for the quick dribble contest.
The night ended with the fan-favorite dunk contest, featuring freshman Ricky Vick (Edmond, Okla.), and sophomores Joey Atkinson (Edmond, Okla.), Carlton Dean (Oklahoma City, Okla.), and Kirl Williams. After the dust had cleared, Williams was pronounced the winner.
The best dunk of the night undoubtedly belonged to Atkinson, who put the crowd into a tizzy with an emphatic two handed slam off his own pass. Starting from the three-point line, Atkinson threw the ball off the East wall of Yost Center and paused while the ball bounced just behind the baseline on its way up towards the basket. As the 6'5" forward leaped toward the goal, the ball rose just under the backboard and to the left of the rim where an air-bound Atkinson slammed it home.
"I thought midnight madness was a huge success, a fun night to get a quick preview of some of our student-athletes," commented men's Head Coach Dustin Galyon. "We had four very intense practices leading up to the event and are dealing with some injuries, so I was really pleased that we could still come out and give our fans and community a preview of things to come."
To close the night, coaches Harrison and Galyon thanked the crowd for coming, and encouraged everyone to support the Larks during the upcoming season.