Sterling routs Rush Springs 55-33

Big Pasture matchup canceled

STERLING — Three Sterling players scored in double figures last Friday as the Tigers rolled to a dominating 55-33 win over Rush Springs.

The win improved the team’s record to 15-7 with the district tournament looming next week at Velma-Alma. Tuesday’s scheduled game at Big Pasture was canceled due to inclement weather and road conditions. That decision was made Monday by school district officials.

Meanwhile, senior Nate Anderson led the charge against Rush Springs with 15 points, followed by Max Puccio with 13 and Hayden Taliaferro with 10.

“We won by 22 and were in control from the beginning,” Sterling head coach Trent Parrish said. “We didn’t play as well as I anticipated, but there’s usually a drop in energy when a team has the week we did last week.”

Sterling won three games last week to capture the Comanche County Tournament title for the first time since 2017.

The Tigers took a commanding 17-4 lead after the first quarter and expanded the advantage to 32-12 by halftime. Puccio scored 12 of his 13 points in the first half, as he hit four three-point baskets. Sterling didn’t let up in the third quarter, as the Tigers led 41-23 after three quarters.

“I thought Max shot the ball well and played extremely good overall,” Parrish said. “Riley Lile and Clinton Moore had good games defensively and on the boards. These games won’t determine anything for the playoffs, but we want to play well and play hard. There are no rankings left. It’s about getting better.”

Sterling has two regular-season home games remaining Friday against Cyril and Tuesday against Binger-Oney. The district playoffs begin Feb. 10, when Sterling plays Fletcher for the third time this season. The winner of that game will play host team Velma-Alma, which is ranked No. 11 in Class A.

If Sterling defeats Fletcher, the Tigers will advance to the regional tournament the following week. Sterling won the previous two matchups against Fletcher this season by scores of 54-25 and 63-27.