A lengthy lay-off didn’t deter both Laramie High School basketball teams from success Monday. Both defeated Hershey, NE in their first game in 16 days.

In their opening games of the Cabela’s Holiday Shootout tournament in Sidney, NE, the Laramie Lady Plainsmen beat the Panthers 45-26, while the Laramie Plainsmen handled Hershey, 56-37.

LARAMIE LADY PLAINSMEN

Laramie (3-1) began their game on a 13-0 run and never trailed. They built a 16-2 by the end of the first quarter. In fact, they had as many points, as Hershey had turnovers after the first period. LHS eventually led 28-7 at halftime and went on to win by 19.

Jennifer Aadland scored 9 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead Laramie. Bridgette Johnson and Callie Clingman added 8 points apiece.

The Lady Plainsmen shot only 36 percent from the floor, but attempted 22 more shots than the Panthers. Laramie also finished with 19 offensive rebounds.

Hershey shot 27 percent from the floor and finished with 34 turnovers.

The Laramie girls will play the host Sidney Red Raiders in the semifinals at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.

LARAMIE PLAINSMEN

After a slow start, the Plainsmen rolled past the Panthers. Laramie (2-2) trailed 4-0, but a pair of Jake Aadland 3-pointers gave them a 9-6 lead they never relinquished. A 9-0 spurt by Hershey in the second quarter trimmed the LHS lead to 23-19. The Plainsmen responded with an 11-2 run that ended the first half. It was 34-21 at the break. The lead stretched to 21 points in the second half.

Aadland led Laramie with 13 points, 7 rebounds and 7 steals. Andrew Garcia added 8 points. The Plainsmen shot 35 percent, but out-rebounded the Panthers 36-28. They also forced 25 turnovers.

Hershey shot 43 percent and was led by Jason Davis with a game-high 16 points.

The Plainsmen advance on to the semifinals Tuesday and will face the host Sidney Red Raiders at 7:15 p.m.

KOWB (AM 1290) will provide live coverage of the doubleheader at 4:45 p.m. David Settle and VerDon Hoopes will call the action.

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