HAYS-The Hays High Indians took on I-70 foe Colby in their final varsity basketball contests of 2019.
As always, the ladies squared off first. Things were fairly even in the low scoring opening minutes. Brooke Denning puts the Indians ahead 3-2 for their initial lead. The lead would increase to 6-2 moments later. Things were rocky for the Indians after that. Colby hit a hot streak from the three point line and built a 17-6 lead by the end of quarter.
The second half was more of the same. The Indians trailed by as many as 16, but used a mini-run of 5 to close the gap to 27-16 heading into half.
The struggled continued in the second half, as the Eagles couldn't stop Colby from shooting the long ball. Turnovers where also a struggle for the Indians, who had 18 in the game. All of this resulted in a 47-31 loss for the Indians.
Sophomore Aleyia Ruder was a bright spot for Hays High, she had 13 points and 7 rebounds off of the bench. Brooke Denning also finished with 13 points and 6 rebounds. Hallie Vaughn of Colby led all scorers with 15 points.
The Indians fall to 1-3 on the season, while Colby moves to 5-0. Hays High will be in action again after the New Year, on January 7th, against Pratt.
The Hays High boys came next, and they knew it would be a tough challenge against a Colby team that shoots nearly 47% from the floor.
Hays got out to a quick start, leading 6-0 initially and carrying that momentum all through the first half to a 31-21 lead at the intermission.
The boys really opened things up in the third quarter, using a 19-8 run to push the lead to 46-25. Coach Hutchins played mostly bench players in the fourth, closing the door on a 57-41 win.
Dayln Schwarz led all scorers with 18 points. Carson Kieffer had a complete game with 9 points, 3 assists, and 3 rebounds. Calvin Stapp paced Colby with 13 points.
The Eagles fall to 4-1 on the season. The Indians get back to .500 with the victory, as they are 2-2 heading into 2020. Their first game of the New Year will be Jan. 7 against Pratt.