HAYS - Hays High opened postseason play as the eight seed in 5A West. The Indians hosted the ninth seeded Kapaun Crusaders.
It took four extra minutes, but Hays secured a spot in the sub-state championship with a 53-52 win over the Crusaders.
The teams were tied at the end of the first and second quarter thanks to runs by both teams. Kapaun went up by five on a 7-0 first quarter run that was answered by a 6-0 Indian run to tie the game at nine.
The Indians opened the second quarter with a 9-2 run to lead 18-11 with 4:20 left before halftime. Hays wouldn't score again in the half and Kapaun tied the game on a 9-0 run by halftime.
Highlights
The Indian field goal drought lasted 8:45 seconds, a stretch were they would only score two points from the free throw line. The Crusaders took advantage with a 27-20 lead and eventually led by a game high nine at 32-23 at the two minute mark of the third quarter. Like they did at the end of the first, Hays ended the third with a 6-0 run and cut the deficit down to 32-29.
The Indians were able to grab the lead back at 38-37 and extend that to a 40-37 advantage with 3:30 remaining. Hays would only score one more point rest of the game, but only allow three points for a 41 all time at the end of regulation.
Coach Len Melvin
Hays opened the overtime with a three pointer which was their only field goal attempt of the overtime frame. The Indians never trailed and the score was never tied. Hays held three leads of five points in overtime but Kapaun knocked down a pair of three and three point play. The final three from Kapaun hit as time expired but with the Indian four point lead only closed the gap to 53-52.
Hays moves on to Saturday's sub-state championship game at 14-7. Kapaun's season ends at 12-9.
Molly Martin led the Indians in scoring at 16 points and Katie Linenberger added 12. McCoy Phister scored 14 for Kapaun and Sophia Gimino was in double figures at 13.