by HESSTON, Kan. — Trent Thompson posted a 31-point, 14-rebound double-double Saturday as Hesston College earned its first victory of the 2026-27 season, beating Randall University 87-74 at Yost Center.
Thompson finished 12-of-19 from the field, scoring 24 of his 31 points in the second half, and added four assists and three steals in a dominant all-around performance.
The first half was back-and-forth, with both teams trading leads before Hesston took a narrow 38-35 edge into halftime. Randall tied it at 44 early in the second half, but Thompson answered with a three-pointer to put the Larks back in front.
Randall cut it to 63-61 with just under eight minutes left, but Hesston answered with a decisive stretch — two free throws from Jarren Cargil, a Thompson basket, and a Dante Smith three that made it 70-64 with just under six minutes to play. Thompson then scored 12 points in the final four minutes as the lead grew to as many as 18.
Brennon Dodge added 19 points and seven rebounds for the Larks, who improved to 1-1 on the season after Thursday’s season-opening loss to Midland.
Hesston is back in action Tuesday, Oct. 27, at Ottawa University.
Thompson’s performance also earned him the Continental Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week award — he averaged 23 points and 11 rebounds across the Larks’ first two games, shooting 17-of-28 from the field.
