GREAT BEND, Kan. (AP) — Hutchinson High School’s girls and boys basketball teams picked up a road sweep Friday night at the Great Bend Fieldhouse, pulling away in the second half for wins over the Panthers.
The Hutchinson girls broke open a tight contest after halftime to earn a 62-41 victory, while the Salthawk boys closed strong late to secure a 61-50 win.
Girls Recap:
In a back-and-forth first half that featured several lead changes and last-second shots, Hutchinson carried a slim 31-30 lead into the break after Danai Morgan banked in a half-court buzzer-beater.
The Salthawks seized control in the third quarter, outscoring Great Bend 18-6 to build separation they would not relinquish.
Morgan led all scorers with a career-high 28 points and was nearly perfect at the free-throw line, going 9 of 10. Ava Krone added 15 points, while Tenley Keaton chipped in eight as Hutchinson pulled away in the final two quarters.
Great Bend was led by Meredith Mazouch and Alyssa McCauley, who each finished with 10 points.
Boys Recap:
Hutchinson set the tone early in the boys contest, playing one of its most complete quarters of the season. Five different Salthawks scored in the opening period as Hutchinson built an 18-17 lead and later stretched the margin to a 35-23 advantage at halftime.
Great Bend responded in the third quarter, doubling up Hutchinson 16-8 to cut into the deficit. The Panthers tied the game at 44-44 with 6:45 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Unlike earlier games this season, the Salthawks answered down the stretch. Despite having three starters playing with four fouls, Hutchinson pulled away in the final minutes to secure the win.
Lamar Govain led Hutchinson with 19 points, while Larry Jeremiah Jr. added 16. Jalen Crable scored 12 points, including five in the fourth quarter, highlighted by a timely 3-pointer and a steal that led to a layup to seal the outcome.
Up next:
Hutchinson will prepare for the McPherson Invitational Tournament next week, opening play Thursday with a 4:35 p.m. first-round matchup against Topeka Seaman in McPherson. The Salthawk girls will also travel to Derby for a standalone game Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m.