CHEYENNE – Senior Graedyn Buell scored 23 points to go with eight rebounds and five assists to help Cheyenne East to a 72-58 victory Saturday at Alliance, Nebraska.

The Thunderbirds (8-0) trailed 20-14 after the first quarter, but held a 34-30 lead at halftime.

“Alliance is a good team, and they were executing early while we were missing layups,” East coach Rusty Horsley said. “Our kids battled back. We stiffened defensively, started guarding wings tougher and shots started falling for us.”

Jordan Codner added 14 points, five steals, four rebounds and three assists. Jake Rayl chipped in with 10 points.

Alliance senior forward Caeson Clarke scored a game-high 27 points.

East hosts Laramie (7-0) at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Storey Gym.

EAST 72, ALLIANCE 58

Cheyenne East…… 14 20 16 22 – 72

Alliance…… 20 10 10 18 – 58

Cheyenne East: Bohlmann 0, G. Schlabs 7, Rayl 10, Bush 6, G. Buell 23, Goff 5, McAnelly 4, Codner 14, Pafford 0, Heckman 3.

Alliance: Kelley 8, Matulka 5, Muhr 5, Cyza 4, King 6, Clarke 27, Bair 2, McCracken 1.