HAYS - Top-ranked Hays High's undefeated regular season record earned them the number one seed for Sub-State play that began Wednesday night. The number one seed also meant that Hays hosted Great Bend in round one.
#1 Hays 58 - Great Bend 38
Hays High scored the first 11 points of the game and led wire to wire Wednesday evening. Great Bend managed just two points in the first quarter on one of 10 shooting. The Indians made seven of 10 shots and led 17-2.
Great Bend had two chances to make the score a single digit difference in the second quarter but could take advantage trailing 23-12. Carson Kieffer hit a three to beat the second quarter buzzer and in the process gave Hays a 27-14 lead at halftime.
Jace Linenberger converted a three point play to open the second half helping lift Hays to an eventual 20-point lead at 35-15. Great Bend gave the Indians one last run. The Panthers hit three consecutive three pointers and had the ball down 35-24 but turned the ball over and Hays took a 40-24 lead to the fourth quarter.
Great Bend's hot three point shooting continued into the beginning of the fourth quarter cutting the Indian advantage down to 40-30 with 6:40 remaining. The Panthers would have the ball down 10 but turned the ball over. Hays outscored Great Bend 18-8 rest of the way for a 58-38 victory.
Jace Linenberger led the 21-0 Indians with 21 points. Dalyn Schwarz scored 14. Great Bend's Cole Streck scored 14 and Braylon Council added 13 both setting career highs for Panthers who finish their year at 4-15.
Hays High moves onto the Sub-State Championship on Saturday at 3:00. They will host #5 Salina South who was a 46-33 winner over Salina Central.