TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The season came to an end Tuesday night for the Hutchinson Salthawks as the Topeka West Chargers pulled away for a 55-32 victory in sub-state play at Topeka West High School.
With the loss, Hutchinson finishes the year at 7-16.
The Salthawks battled early and were tied 12-12 at the end of the first quarter. But Topeka West seized control in the second period, using an 18-6 run to build a 30-18 halftime advantage.
The Chargers continued to assert themselves after the break, dominating the boards and capitalizing on Hutchinson turnovers. The Salthawks were limited to just four points in the third quarter as Topeka West’s interior presence and defensive pressure created separation.
Topeka West, the No. 2 seed in class 5A West, improved to 21-3 with the win and will host Bishop Carroll Golden Eagles on Friday night with a berth in the Class 5A state tournament on the line.
Hutchinson struggled to generate consistent offense against the Chargers’ defense. Junior Lamar Govain led the Salthawks with 14 points, while senior guard Julius Martinez added 10 in his final game in a Hutchinson uniform.
Topeka West placed two players in double figures, led by Kaimani Paul’s 16 points. Lock Duncan added 12 for the Chargers.
While the boys season concludes, the Hutchinson girls continue sub-state action Wednesday night with a matchup against Andover Central in Andover. Pregame on KWBW begins at 5:45pm.