By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER
Hays Post
WICHITA - The Hays High girls faced off with Bishop Carroll for a 5A state tournament berth for a second consecutive year. As in 2023 the game was held at the Golden Eagles home gym as the higher seed.
The rematch was closer but went the way of Bishop Carroll 38-34.
Hays led most of the first half after taking an 8-6 lead with 2:30 on the clock. The Indians didn't trail again until the third quarter.
Leading 11-7 to start the second quarter, Hays pushed their advantage to a game high six points at 13-7 on their first possession. Bishop Carroll returned fire with one of their three made three pointers in the game. A steal and layup by the Indians pushed the advantage back to five at 15-10 with 6:25 before halftime. Hays though didn't score rest of the half.
Bishop Carroll though was only able to scored five points during the same time frame. It was enough to tie the game at 15 a piece as the teams headed to the locker room.
The Indians led by four points three different times in the third quarter. The final time Hays had the ball up 25-21 but turned the ball over with 2:30 remaining in the third. The Golden Eagles scored five straight to take their first lead since the first quarter. The Indians led just one more time at 27-26 with 1:15 left in the third.
Bishop Carroll led by one entering the fourth quarter. Neither team score score for the first two minutes until the Golden Eagles converted a traditional three point play for a 32-28 lead. The Indians pulled within one but again fell behind by five at 36-31.
Trailing 37-34 Hays turned the ball over on their next two possession. Bishop Carroll made one of four three throws in the final eleven seconds but it was enough for a 38-34 win.
Hays ends their season at 16-6. It is their first 15 win season since 2012. Bishop Carroll moves onto the 5A state tournament at 19-3.
Hays - 34. Humphrey 3, Linenberger 6, Martin 12, K. Winter 5, Newell 0, Dreher 1, Armbruster 3, Buckles 2, Z. Winter 2.
Bishop Carroll - 38. Littlejohn 3, B. Martin 0, McKellips 9, L. Martin 8, Dugan 0, McCorry 7, Henke 7, Steven 1, Simon 3.