HALSTEAD — For a half, Hoisington's girls proved they could beat No. 1 ranked Halstead, the defending state champions, with a 40-25 lead. For a half, the Halstead Dragons proved why they're the defending 3A state basketball champions by routing the Cardinals 33-4 for a 58-44 lead en route to a 63-48 Central Kansas League victory. The Dragons (22-0, 8-0 CKL) have won 28 consecutive games. The Cardinals converted five 3-pointers and made 14 of 26 first-half field goals while limiting their turnovers. When Halstead kicked up the defensive pressure, the Cardinals had no answer. Halstead forced six consecutive turnovers and converted to turn a 15-point deficit into a 43-42 lead. Hoisington 19 14 9 6 — 48 Halstead 11 11 21 20 — 63 HOISINGTON (11-10, 3-5)—Maier 3 3-4 9; Beck 2 2-4 6; Hanzlick 2 (1) 2-2 7; Wilkens 3 0-2 6; Lutters 3 (2) 0-0 8; Bittel (3) 0-0 9; Totals 48 HALSTEAD (22-0, 8-0)—Nedich 7 (4) 3-4 21; Jordy Schroeder 4 (1) 0-0 9; Piper Schoeder 3 0-1 6; Williams (1) 0-0 3; Wills (1) 1-2 4; Bernal 3 1-2 7; Totals 63 LARNED GIRLS A (2-28)—1—at Holcomb 21-2 vs. 16—Nickerson 0-23; 8—at Hoisington 11-10 vs. 9—Colby 12-10; 4—at SW Heights 17-6 vs. 13—Russell 4-18; 5—at Goodland 17-6 vs. 12—Norton 6-15 LARNED GIRLS B (2-28)—2—at Lakin 17-4 vs. 15—Lyons 2-19; 7—at Ellsworth 14-6 vs. 10—Phillipsburg 10-9; 3—at Beloit 16-4 vs. 14—Cimarron 3-20; 6—at Larned 17-6 vs. 11—Scott City 8-12