The state basketball tournaments in 2021 had a different look to them as opening rounds were held at home sites. The first round match ups had also been previously determined by matching up certain sub-states. The result was #1 undefeated Hays facing #6 Topeka West who entered the game at 19-2.
#6 Topeka West 52 - #1 Hays 49
A perfect season came to a screeching halt for the Hays High Indians as they fall to Topeka West 52-49 in the opening round of the 5A State Basketball Tournament. Hays shot 81% from field in the first half and built their lead as high as seven points at 25-18.
Topeka West called a timeout and slowly pulled Hays back in and cut the gap to 32-29 at halftime by banking in a long two point basket at the buzzer.
Highlights
Hays hit a cold spell in the third quarter after taking a 34-32 lead. The Indians went scoreless for the next 5:05. The Chargers didn't exactly seize control of the game scoring only five points during that time to take a 37-34 advantage. West led into the fourth quarter 39-38.
The Indians took what proved to be their final lead at 40-39 with 7:40 remaining in the game. West built a pair of five point leads before Hays rattled off five quick points that tied the game at 47 following a Carson Kieffer three pointer with 3:50 remaining.
The Indians wouldn't score again until a moment before the final buzzer for the final 52-49 margin in favor of Topeka West. Hays missed a trio of three point attempts in the final 1:15 that could have tied the game at 50.
Coach Alex Hutchins
Hays was led in scoring by the game high 24 points of Jace Linenberger. Topeka West put three in double figures, the three that led Topeka West in scoring all season long. The Chargers' final four points came from two players that scored just one total point in the first three and a half quarters.
The Indians end their season at 22-1. The loss breaks a 30 game winning streak for Hays High. Topeka West moves on to the semifinals with a 20-2 record.