Hays High hosted Hutchinson the first round of postseason play on Wednesday evening in Hays. The Indians defense proved to pivotal in the second half for a 48-43 victory.
Hays took an early 5-2 lead on a three pointer. The Indians didn't score for the next six minutes. Hutchinson used the time to go on a 7-0 run and grab the lead at 9-5. The Salthawks led for the remainder of the first half including 9-7 after one quarter.
Hutchinson took a seven point lead on two occasions in the second quarter. The last at 21-14 with 1:15 left before halftime. The Indians scored five straight to make the score 21-19 before Hutchinson beat the clock with a three pointer for a 24-19 halftime lead.
Highlights
Hays scored the first five points out of the locker room to tie the game up and ignite the gymnasium. Hutchinson grabbed control of the game again with a 6-0 spurt for a 35-29 advantage.
That's when the Indian defense locked down allowing just three points over the next 11:37. During that stretch Hays scored 16 points for a 45-38 advantage.
The final four points for Hays in the 16-3 run came from the free throw line as Hutchinson started fouling. Hays made 8 of 12 fourth quarter free throws for a 48-43 victory.
Coach Sean Dreiling
Hays(13-8) advances to Saturday's sub-state championship game. Hutchinson ends their season at 10-11.
Carter Lang 0; Johnny Cano 13; Trace Jacobs 0; Cooper Lindenmeyer 2; Trey Oakley 6; Tiger Johnson 9; Izaac Fox 5; Dawson Ruder 13.