HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — The regular-season home finale ended in a sweep for the visiting Andover Trojans on Friday night as Andover’s girls and boys teams pulled away late to defeat the Hutchinson Salthawks at the Salthwak Activity Center.
The Hutchinson girls pushed the top-ranked team in Class 5A to the brink before falling 46-39. In the nightcap, the Salthawk boys struggled offensively in the second half and dropped a 50-38 decision.
Girls recap
Playing perhaps their best game of the season, Hutchinson led for much of the contest and carried a four-point advantage into halftime against No. 1-ranked Andover.
The Salthawks continued to battle into the fourth quarter and still held the lead inside the final two minutes before Andover capitalized at the free-throw line to secure its 21st victory of the season.
Hutchinson (11-11) gave the Trojans their closest game of the year but couldn’t maintain the edge down the stretch.
Danai Morgan paced the Salthawks with 17 points, while Tenley Keeton added 11. Andover junior Bella Bouddhara led the Trojans with 15 points.
Hutchinson now turns its attention to postseason play and will travel to Andover Central on Wednesday, with tipoff time to be determined, to open sub-state competition.
Boys recap
In the boys game, Hutchinson trailed just 25-24 at halftime and appeared poised for a tight finish. However, a suffocating defensive effort by Andover in the third quarter limited the Salthawks to just three points, creating separation the Trojans would not relinquish in a 50-38 victory.
Junior Lamar Govain scored 21 points to lead Hutchinson, fighting through heavy defensive pressure throughout the night. Senior Jalen Crable added 12 points in his final home appearance on senior night.
Andover showcased balanced scoring, placing six players in the scoring column. Walker McClellan led the way with 16 points, while Brooks Brown added 11 and played a key defensive role against Govain.
Hutchinson will await the outcome of the Topeka West vs. Lansing game being played Friday night to determine its sub-state destination. The Salthawks will travel Tuesday to face either Topeka West or Maize South in postseason action.