GLEN GRUNWALD
Hutch Post
HAYS, Kan. — The Hutchinson High School Salthawk girls' season came to a heartbreaking end in the sub-state championship Friday night, falling to the Hays High Indians 56-17.
The Salthawk boys came up short against Hays on Wednesday night in the first round of sub-state play, seeing a four-point lead slip away in the final quarter as the Indians advanced with a 48-43 win.
Despite the girls' tough loss, the Salthawks had already established themselves as one of the most formidable teams in Kansas, finishing with a 16-8 record and proving they were more than capable of competing with the state’s best.
The Salthawks had an impressive run that included some unforgettable moments. Just as they started the season strong, the Salthawks opened Friday night's game with a brief but promising 4-0 lead, but the Indians’ relentless defense and efficient offense quickly turned the tide.
Still, Hutchinson had already earned its place in the spotlight earlier in the season with a stunning 58-54 victory over the top-ranked Derby Panthers on Valentine’s Day. The win was a statement, as Derby was not only the top team in Class 6A but also ranked No. 1 in the state across all classifications.
Another standout moment came in the first round of sub-state against No. 9 seed Andover Central, where the Salthawks cruised to a 60-37 win. That performance was a testament to the team's depth and resilience, especially with players stepping up in key moments.
But as much as this season was about victories, it was also about the players who made it all possible. Hutchinson will miss the leadership of Grace Posh, a four-year varsity player who scored 971 points in her high school career. Posh’s commitment, skill and competitive spirit will be hard to replace as the team looks to rebuild.
Along with Posh, the Salthawks will say goodbye to senior standouts Lily Rodriguez and Kaia Smith. Smith averaged 13.8 points per game, while Rodriguez was the player who initiated the offense at point guard. Their contributions were invaluable and will leave a lasting mark on Hutchinson basketball. However, their legacy will be carried on by junior starters Ava Krone and Kohlbie Craft. Both have proven themselves as key players and will be instrumental in the team's future.
Sophomore point guard Tenley Keeton and junior shooting guard Clara Ontjes also made a significant impact off the bench this season and will be players to watch moving forward. The Salthawks will look to build on this season’s momentum and develop their younger players as they prepare for next year.
Meanwhile, the Hays High Indians will take their undefeated 22-0 record to Emporia, where they will compete in the Class 5A state tournament for the first time in 29 years. Their victory over Hutchinson solidified their standing as one of the top teams in the state, but Hutchinson’s grit and determination throughout the season showed they were not far behind.
As the Salthawks reflect on a season full of highs and lows, one thing is clear: this group of players, coaches and fans created something special. And while they will miss their seniors, the future is bright for Hutchinson basketball under second-year head coach Kalen Hilst and assistant coaches Shayla DeGarmo-Cruz and Lyric Martin.
The 2024-25 season for the Hutchinson Salthawk boys basketball team was also full of highs and lows. With a final record of 10-11, the team faced numerous challenges but also enjoyed moments of brilliance. Among the most memorable was a dramatic Valentine's Day victory that sent shockwaves through Kansas basketball — a 67-63 win over the undefeated, top-ranked team in Class 6A, which was also No. 1 in the state overall.
The season got off to a rough start as the Salthawks hit a tough stretch in January. A grueling seven-game losing streak, including three losses at the McPherson Invitational, had Hutchinson reeling. That tournament seemed like a microcosm of their entire month: competitive games that ended in heartbreak. The Salthawks went 0-3 at McPherson, but the close losses stung the most. Four of those setbacks in January were by a combined total of just 12 points, underscoring the team’s resilience. Still, the inability to close out opponents left Hutchinson searching for answers.
Despite the adversity, the Salthawks didn’t fold under pressure. The grit they showed during that tough stretch paid off as they managed to string together five consecutive victories. The momentum was palpable, and Hutchinson started to find its rhythm just when it mattered most. This late-season surge gave them confidence heading into their sub-state game against Hays.
Then came the night that changed everything — the unforgettable Feb. 14 upset.
The Hutchinson Salthawks took the court against an undefeated, top-ranked opponent in a game that had all the makings of a David vs. Goliath matchup. Their opponent, a powerhouse with a perfect season record, was expected to dominate. But the Salthawks were not intimidated. With precision shooting, sharp defense and collective willpower, Hutchinson pulled off a stunning 67-63 win.
Led by standout performances from key players, the Salthawks capitalized on every opportunity, making clutch shots and playing tenacious defense down the stretch. The game was tight throughout, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times. But with seconds remaining and the score neck and neck, Hutchinson remained calm under pressure. A pair of crucial free throws and a final defensive stop sealed the win, sending the visiting Hutchinson fan section into a frenzy.
For Hutchinson, it was more than just a win — it was a statement. The Salthawks had proven they could compete with the best. In a season filled with near misses, they showed the heart and determination to fight through any challenge.
That victory over the state’s No. 1 team gave the Salthawks a massive boost in confidence and solidified their place as a team that could never be counted out. With the wind at their backs, Hutchinson entered its sub-state game against Hays with momentum — and while the season ended there, the team's resilience was something its fans would never forget.
As the Salthawks look ahead, they will have to say goodbye to key players who left a lasting impact on the program. Point guard Terrell King, in particular, will be greatly missed. His leadership on the court was invaluable, running the offense with poise and keeping the Salthawks competitive in every game. Alongside him, senior starters Taishaun Govain and Levi Kepler played critical roles, each bringing unique skills and experience. Their contributions, both on and off the court, will be hard to replace.
However, the future looks bright. Sophomore Lamar Govain stepped up in a big way this season, seamlessly taking over a starting role and proving he is more than capable of leading the team moving forward. Along with Danny Boone, who was a consistent force off the bench, sharpshooter Jalen Crable and Tramel Walker, who provided energy and hustle, Hutchinson has a solid foundation to build on.
Head coach Bryan Miller, now in his fifth year, will look to reload and rebuild next season. His experience and leadership have been crucial to the program's development, and with emerging young talent, Miller is confident the Salthawks will remain competitive. While losing several key seniors will create some gaps, the foundation of strong returning players and the promise of future talent should keep Hutchinson in the mix.
Though the 2024-25 season is over, Hutchinson basketball is in good hands. The Salthawks will aim to build on the momentum they’ve created and push for even greater success in the coming years.