HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The No. 20 Hutchinson Community College women’s basketball team dominated from the opening tip in a 90-51 Jayhawk Conference victory over Independence on Wednesday night at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.
Hutchinson built a commanding lead early, holding the Pirates to seven points in the first quarter while racing out to a 28-7 advantage. The Blue Dragons took a 45-13 lead into halftime and never allowed Independence to threaten, pushing the margin to 68-29 after three quarters.
The win improved Hutchinson to 16-5 overall and 11-4 in Jayhawk Conference play, keeping the Blue Dragons in the conference title race with a strong response following Monday’s loss to then-No. 8 Butler.
KaMyra Barber recorded her third double-double of the season and delivered a career night on the glass, finishing with 18 points, a career-high 13 rebounds and six assists in 24 minutes. Barber shot 6 of 11 from the floor, hit a 3-pointer and went 5 of 5 at the free-throw line.
Katie Duncan added 15 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Whitney Brown scored 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting and knocked down all three of her 3-point attempts. Noelle Anthon chipped in 12 points, and Kaia Smith also scored 12 off the bench.
Hutchinson controlled the game defensively, holding Independence to 27.7 percent shooting and forcing 18 turnovers. The Blue Dragons also dominated the rebounding battle, 53-32, and turned consistent pressure into easy scoring opportunities throughout the night.
Independence was led by Danaiya Stillwell-Smith with 17 points. Mimi White added 15 points on four 3-pointers and pulled down eight rebounds, while Nyah Chandler finished with 11 points and Jade Oliney handed out seven assists.
The Blue Dragons opened the game on a 21-0 run bridging the first quarter and never let the Pirates establish any rhythm, limiting Independence to 13 points in the first half.
Hutchinson continues Jayhawk Conference play Saturday, traveling to Seward County for a 2 p.m. tip.