by Tracy McCue, Sumner Newscow – The Wellington boys got off to a sensational start to open the Kingman Tournament Basketball Classic. The varsity girls not so much. On the other hand, the Wellington JV girls won and the Wellington JV boys loss. Go figure.

In the varsity, Wellington boys won 54-46 against Haven in the season opener. Earlier in the day, Wellington lost to Haven girls 46-31.

In the boys game, Trevor Nance scored 15 points while Colin Reichenberger made 14 to lift the Crusaders to victory. 

Wellington opened with a 16-11 first quarter lead, but saw Haven narrow the lead to two and went into the locker room at halftime leading 29-27.

In the third quarter, Wellington outscored Haven 12-9 to build the lead back to five, 41-26.

The game completed with Wellington outscoring Haven down the stretch 13-10 for the eight-point win.

The Crusaders will now battle Medicine Lodge today at 4:30 p.m. The Indians lost to Haven 49-43 on Tuesday night. So there is a possibility the Wellington boys could be playing for the tournament championship.

Other scorers for the Crusaders were: Wesley Gilmore 2, Connor Phelps 8, Payton Baker 4, Parker Daugherty 6, and Austin Dunn 5.

The Wellington junior varsity was not as successful, losing to Haven 40-28.

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On the girls side, Wellington fell behind 14-4 in the first quarter, and that set the tone for the rest of the game. The Lady Dukes trailed the No. 9 ranked Class 3A Haven Wildcats the rest of the way by 10 to 17 points.

The Wildcats led at halftime 27-13 and the Crusaders played even ball in the second half to lose by 15.

Scoring for the Crusaders were: Carlie McComb 15, Lauryn Snipes 7, Jaedyn Ledesma 4, Taylor Zimmerman 3, and Mireia Salvador 2.

McComb led in rebounds with 5 followed by Tayland French and Ledesma with 4. Wellington committed 30 turnovers in its season opener.

Wellington will battle Medicine Lodge at 3 p.m. today.

The Wellington junior varsity would beat Haven 52-49. Catie Williams hit five key free throws down the stretch to win.

Scoring for Wellington were: Williams 14, Shelbie Wright 11, Salvador 10, Peyton Witham 8, French 5, and Madi Lewellen 4.