Hays High hosted Maize South to open play in the 5A West girls bracket. The Indians entered as the eight seed hosting the ninth seeded Mavericks.
Maize South 35 - #9 Hays 37
For a third straight game Hays High's game was decided in the final seconds. Unlike the prior two, the Indians came out on the winning side as a pair of free throws with 2.5 seconds remaining lifted Hays to a 37-35 victory.
The game was tight through the first half with neither team taking a lead bigger than four points. Maize South led 10-9 after one quarter and 18-14 with three minutes left before halftime. Hays scored the final three points of the second quarter and the first nine points third quarter for a 26-18 advantage.
Highlights
Hays led by a game high nine points at 28-19 when Maize South started on their big run. The Mavericks outscored the Indians 13-2 over a 5:15 section of the game to take a 32-30 lead with 5:45 left in regulation.
The Indians tied the game thirty seconds later and the lead with 3:14 left on a three point play. The Mavericks tied the game with :36.9 left on their own three point play. The Indians Molly Martin nailed down a pair of free throws with 2.5 seconds on the clock for a 37-35 victory.
Coach Len Melvin
Aleyia Ruder scored a team high 11 points for Hays. Maize South was led by Jenna Uehling at 13 points.
Hays improves to 13-8 and will play in their first Sub-State Championship game since 2019.