By DAREN DUNN
Hutch Post
TONKAWA, Okla. — For the second time in four days, Hutchinson faced off with NOC-Tonkawa.
No. 15 Hutchinson (4-0) saw an early eight-point lead flip into a six-point deficit in the first half.
However, the Dragons closed out the first half with a 49-45 lead.
Hutchinson’s full-court pressure helped the Dragons build a 64-55 lead just 5:30 into the second half.
The Dragons improved that lead to 17 before the Mavericks made it close. Hutchinson missed opportunities at the free throw line (20 of 34) and NOC-Tonkawa hit a three at the buzzer.
Kaimen Lennox led the Dragons with 23 points, 19 of those came in the second half.
Syrus Grisby led the Mavericks with 23 points.
FINAL: Hutchinson 100 NOC-Tonkawa 96
The victory was the fourth for head coach Tommy DeSalme with the Dragons, but his 400th overall.
Hutchinson will be in Great Bend for the Barton Classic Friday and Saturday.
Hutchinson will play McCook and Clarendon. Both games tip at 3 p.m.