HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Dragons (12-5, 6-5) fell into a little slump to close 2023.
Hutchinson lost four straight and 5 of 6 before closing the first half of the season with two victories.
After beating Northwest Tech in Goodland Wednesday and Seward in the Sports Arena Saturday, the Dragons are now 2-0 to begin 2023.
Aaron Franklin continued to do Aaron Franklin things as he dropped 25 points and pulled down 18 boards against the Saints (9-8, 5-6). According to Blue Dragon Sports Information, his 18 rebounds are the seventh-most in a game in program history.
Franklin got much-needed help from the other Aaron on the team: Aaron Potter. He added 12 points. His effort came on 3 of 13 shooting, including 1 of 7 from three; however, he made 5 of 6 free throws.
Kernan Bundy, who was coming off a career night in Goodland (28 points), was the only other Dragon to notch double digits (11).
Three Saints scored in double figures, led by Jaylin Henderson's 19.
After trailing by one early, Hutchinson poured it on to take a 17-point lead in the second half.
The Saints cut that lead back to three before Hutchinson pulled away again over the final nine minutes.
FINAL: Hutchinson 86 Seward 75
CLICK HERE to download the Hutch Post mobile app.
CLICK HERE to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.