SALINA Kan. – The Region VI basketball tourney featured several stellar performances, as well as one big upset, on opening day. Tony’s Pizza Event Center hosts this year’s championships.
In the day’s first game, A gritty Barton women’s squad took down top-seeded Independence 73-62. Barton won the battle on the boards 50-30 over the Lady Pirates, and also held star Indy guard Maisa Marcal to just 15 points on 6-19 shooting. Brennan Kirchoff led the way for the Cougars with 16 points and eight rebounds.
Game 2 of Friday featured an 89-77 win for Dodge City over western Kansas rival Garden City. After a 39-39 first half, the Conquistadors outscored the Broncbusters 50-39 in the second half. Dodge had five players in double digits, led by guard Themus Fulks with 21.
The third contest had the Hutchinson women defeat the Seward County Lady Saints 92-84. The Blue Dragons outrebounded Seward 51-39, and were led by T’ore Alford’s 26-14 double double. Hutch’s Mya Williams led all scorers with 27 points, and also snagged nine boards.
It will be Hutchinson versus Barton for the women’s Region VI title at 6pm on Saturday.
In the men’s nightcap, Hutchinson grabbed the lead and held on to a 92-85 victory over the Butler Grizzlies. Three Hutchinson starters – Josiah Harris, Kamien Lennox, and Angelo Stuart each had over 20 points. The Blue Dragons led the entire game except for one early tie.
The men’s title game at 8pm Saturday will feature Hutchinson versus Dodge City.