February 7, 2025

Dodge City opens WAC play with split against Liberal

Liberal tipoff

The Dodge City High School basketball teams had their first Western Athletic Conference games against Liberal on Friday evening, as the Red Demons lost the girls match up, and came out on top in the boy’s game.

In the first game of the evening, it was junior forward Shamari Lewis leading the way for Liberal, as she posted a 21-point, nine rebound performance. The visitors also got 15 points from junior guard Kylie Rhine in the win.

Dodge City lost despite Sophomore guard Emily Gutierrez making three 3’s and pulling down five rebounds. Senior forward Tatum Steiner contributed with some high-energy plays as well, but it was not enough as Liberal came out on top 57-31.

In the boys game, it was junior guard Ty Scheck who provided the spark for Dodge City, making four 3’s in the first quarter as the Demons were up 31-15 after one period. The hot shooting for the Demons did not stop there, as they made 10 first half 3’s to take a 58-31 lead into the locker room.

The second half did not provide as much electricity as Dodge City kept Liberal at an arm’s length, moving to 1-0 in the WAC and 4-5 on the season with the 81-53 win.

Scheck finished the night with 25 points on seven made 3’s along with 4 assists. Senior guard Bryson Unzueta came off the bench and scored 18 points on 11 shot attempts. Sophomore guard Elliot Williams, who has led the Demons in scoring, stayed heavily involved despite only scoring six points, as he contributed seven assists.

Dodge City now prepares for a loaded Tournament of Champions field, in which they’ll play Derby in the first round on Jan. 23. The Panther are undefeated and have a tilt with fellow undefeated and TOC participant Junction City on Monday.

For the first time in TOC history, the Dodge City Girls team will play before the boy’s game against Derby, as they’ll play Alva, OK in United Wireless Arena.