SYRACUSE 53, ELLINWOOD 50 —After trailing most of the game, Syracuse's Alvaro Leyva converted a 3-point play for the go-ahead score in a hard-fought 53-50 semifinal victory over Ellinwood in the 2A Sublette basketball substate. Leyva followed his 3-point play with two free throws for a 52-48 lead.

Ellinwood's Landon Simpson scored a basket for a 52-50 score. Syracuse's Charlie Keller made a free throw for a 53-50 final. Simpson's desperation 70-footer hit the rim and bounced away.

All-stater Simpson scored 23 points with a trio of 3-pointers. Drake Hosman scored 10 points. The Eagles led by 10 points most of the first half until the Bulldogs rallied for a 38-37 lead after three quarters.

Leyva led the Bulldogs with 20 points and Charlie Keller added nine points. 

"We really played a great ballgame," said Ellinwood coach Jaron Lane. "I had a fun group to coach, especially with how hard they worked to end the season. They learned what it takes to win these types of games."

Ellinwood 17 15 5 13 — 50

Syracuse 7 17 14 15 — 53

ELLINWOOD (12-9) (FG 3 FT TP)—Simpson 8 (3) 4-4 23, Hosman 4 (2) 0-0 10, Campbell Coleman 3 1-3 7, Brack (1) 2-2 5, Wirtz (1) 0-0 3, Lewis 1 0-0 2, Total 18 (7) 7-9 50

SYRACUSE (18-4) (FG 3 FT TP)—Leyva 5 10-10 20, Charlie Keller 4 1-2 9, Brody Keller 4 0-0 8, Tevelde 4 0-0 8, Vazquez 2 0-1 5, Molina (1) 0-0 3, Totals 20 (2) 11-53

2A BOYS

SUBLETTE B—CHAMPIONSHIP—3-7—Syracuse 18-4 vs. Plainville 17-5; SEMIFINALS—Syracuse 53, Ellinwood 50; Plainville 50, Hoxie 37; FIRST ROUND—Syracuse 60, Hill City 38; Ellinwood 62, Trego 29; Plainville 65, Smith Center 44; Hoxie 47, Oakley 42 (2 OT)