Strafford wins first state title since 2020 behind Larsen & VanHorn

Elsie Larsen's assist on the opening basket was a special moment in Strafford's 75-55 victory over Doniphan.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 7:02am

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The No. 1 Strafford Indians defeated the No. 2 Doniphan Donettes 75-55 in the Class 4 state championship game. Strafford was led by a dominant performance from sophomore Trista VanHorn, who scored 25 points, and junior Kinley Larsen, who scored a game-high 31 points. Elsie Larsen, a senior who suffered a season-ending ACL tear earlier in the year, made a special appearance to start the game and recorded an assist on the opening basket.

Why it matters

Strafford's victory marks the program's sixth state championship and their first since 2020. The win is especially meaningful for the team's five graduating seniors, including Elsie Larsen, who was able to contribute one last time in the state title game despite her injury. Strafford's balanced scoring attack and stifling defense proved too much for the defending champion Donettes.

The details

Strafford jumped out to an early 20-13 lead in the first quarter, with VanHorn and Kinley Larsen combining for 16 points. Doniphan was able to trim the deficit to 7 points by halftime, but Strafford pulled away in the fourth quarter with a 25-5 run to seal the victory. The Indians' defense held Doniphan scoreless over the final two minutes and outrebounded them 38-16 in the game.

  • Elsie Larsen made an assist on the opening basket before being subbed out.
  • Strafford led 35-28 at halftime.
  • Doniphan cut the lead to 2 points late in the third quarter.
  • Strafford closed the game on a 25-5 run in the fourth quarter.

The players

Elsie Larsen

A 5-foot-10 all-state senior for Strafford who suffered a season-ending ACL tear earlier in the year, but was able to contribute one last assist in the state championship game before being subbed out.

Trista VanHorn

A sophomore for Strafford who stepped up with a 25-point performance to help lead the Indians to the state title.

Kinley Larsen

A junior for Strafford who scored a game-high 31 points in the championship victory.

Carsyn Hagood

A 5-foot-10 junior for Doniphan who scored a team-high 27 points in the losing effort.

Dustin Larsen

The head coach of the Strafford Indians, who praised his team's rebounding and defense in the win.

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What they’re saying

“What was great about (the assist) was really the energy these girls had as they came into that time out, because you don't know how these things are going to work out. We knew Blair could get the tip – we were counting on her to get the tip and put it in, but just for it to be her last assist for her high school career in the state championship game with a group of young ladies that she loves dearly – that's a pretty special assist.”

— Dustin Larsen, Head Coach, Strafford

“We've been practicing and playing and preparing, and everyone has stepped up big, Coach Larsen said. Kinley is a gamer, as well, and she likes the big lights. When we need big shots, she's usually going to be involved.”

— Dustin Larsen, Head Coach, Strafford

“(Coach) said that I needed to step up, and I felt like when (Kinley) stopped up to take over Elsie's role, I felt like I had to step up as well and be the person to crash; be the person to maybe get the team together. I knew that they were going to be doubling Kinley pretty hard since she was scoring a lot, I knew that we had to put pressure in the paint. We had some open looks, and I just kind of went with it.”

— Trista VanHorn, Sophomore, Strafford

“It was a moment I'll never forget, honestly. Just to be out on the floor one last time and where you dreamed to be, that was the end goal. Just to be back there and get to experience that on the court, it meant a lot, and just to have all my teammates right there with me, and then to get to cheer them on and go win a state championship game – it was just an unreal moment and I'm so grateful I got to do it. I wouldn't have had it any other way.”

— Elsie Larsen, Senior, Strafford

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.