HAYS - Hays High hosted Topeka Seaman Friday evening for a spot in the 5A State Tournament held in Emporia next week. Hays came in as the top overall seed in 5A West. The Vikings entered as the nine seed, upending eighth seeded Maize South three days prior.
(9) Topeka Seaman 61 - (1) #3 Hays 44
Hays led just one time, three minutes into the game, at 4-2. The Indians wouldn't score again and by the time Seaman finished the next five minutes, the Vikings led 16-4.
Hays was never within single figures rest of the way. Jace Linenberger scored the opening basket of the second quarter at 16-6 and that is as close as the Indians would get rest of the night.
The Vikings built their advantage up to 16 points three different times in before half time and led 27-12 through two quarters.
Highlights
Seaman pushed the lead to 21 in the third quarter and led 44-28 at the end of three. Hays was outscored 17-16 in each of the second half quarters.
Hays pulled within 14 with three minutes to go, but the Vikings hit four straight free throws to push their advantage back to 18.
Both teams would clear the bench with just under one minutes remaining with Seaman winning 61-44.
Coach Alex Hutchins
Hays finishes their season at 20-2. It is just the fourth 20 win season in program history. They achieved the mark in back-t0=back season. Prior to the prior two seasons Hays won 20 games in the 95-96 and 13-14 seasons. Carson Kieffer scored a team high 14.
Topeka Seaman advances to state at 15-7, winners of their last eight games. They were led in scoring by Mateo Hyman and Ty Henry who each scored 15. Kaeden Bonner added 12.
Hays graduates eight seniors who made 449 game appearances and made 179 starts.
Jace Linenberger ends his career with 938 points, fifth most in program history. He passed Jason Ball during the game. Linenberger landed 461 rebounds, 8th most in school history.
Carson Kieffer ends his career with more than 390 career assists. He is the only player in school history to land in the top ten twice in single season assists and also the only player to land in the top 25 three times.