HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Hutchinson High got off to a dominant start and never looked back, defeating Andover Central 60-37 in the first round of the Class 5A sub-state tournament Friday night at the Salthawk Activity Center.
With the win, Hutchinson (15-6) advances to face the winner of Hays High and Great Bend, a game that was postponed to Thursday, March 6, due to a winter weather advisory. The Salthawks will travel to the winner’s home court for the sub-state final on Friday night.
Hutchinson set the tone early, shooting 7 of 10 from the field in the first quarter to take a commanding 17-3 lead. Andover Central responded by outscoring the Salthawks 15-12 in the second quarter, but Hutchinson still held a comfortable 29-18 advantage at halftime.
The Salthawks continued to extend their lead in the third quarter, heading into the final period up by 18. Forced to foul late, Andover Central could not mount a comeback as Hutchinson capitalized at the free-throw line to seal the victory.
Grace Posh led the Salthawks with a game-high 20 points, while Kaia Smith added 18. Sophomore Tenley Keeton contributed nine points, and Kohbie Craft chipped in seven.
Andover Central (13-8) was led by sophomore Payton Converse, who finished with 15 points.