MCPHERSON, Kan. (AP) — Olathe South shook off a late second quarter surge by Hutchinson and pulled away late to defeat the Salthawk girls 53-39 Friday afternoon in the first round of the McPherson Mid-America Classic.
Hutchinson dug itself a deep hole early, falling behind 22-2 in the first quarter. The Salthawks responded with an impressive rally, erupting for 24 points in the second quarter and trimming the deficit to just 32-29 by halftime.
But the comeback stalled in the second half as Olathe South’s defense took over. The Falcons forced 19 Hutchinson turnovers and limited the Salthawks to just 10 points after halftime.
Junior standout Eve Long led the way for Olathe South, pouring in a tournament-high 28 points to halt Hutchinson’s momentum and secure the win.
Hutchinson was led by freshman Danai Morgan with 15 points, while Lynnea Alvarez added 11.
The Salthawks now move to the consolation side of the Mid-America Classic bracket and will face Wichita Northwest at 3 p.m. Friday. Northwest dropped its first-round game to top-seeded Shawnee Mission South 77-33 on Thursday afternoon.
In other Mid-America Classic first-round games, Manhattan defeated Shawnee Mission East 54-30, and Andover Central edged host McPherson 41-35.
Hutchinson vs Wichita-Northwest stream set for 3pm, January 30th: