UTCHINSON, Kan. — The cross-county rivalry between Hutchinson and Buhler delivered a split decision Friday night at the Salthawk Activity Center, with the Hutchinson girls rolling to a convincing win before a dramatic last-second 3-pointer lifted the Buhler boys to a narrow victory.
Girls recap
After a brief early wobble, the Hutchinson girls seized control and never looked back in a 55-37 victory over the Crusaders.
Hutchinson trailed 9-8 midway through the first quarter before Clara Onjtes and Tenley Keaton ignited a decisive run that flipped the game. The Salthawks closed the opening period on an 11-0 surge to take a 19-9 lead and carried that momentum into halftime with a commanding 35-16 advantage.
The second half proved academic as Hutchinson continued to defend and rebound effectively while extending the margin on the offensive end.
Keaton led all scorers with 15 points, while Ava Krone added 14 points to go with numerous rebounds and steals for the 6-foot-1 senior. Buhler was paced by Nyah Sewell, who scored nine points.
Boys recap
The boys game delivered a far different script, ending in heartbreak for Hutchinson and jubilation for Buhler.
Hutchinson appeared in control early, building a 20-9 lead in the second quarter. Buhler answered behind Isaiah Heredia, who knocked down back-to-back 3-pointers, and Brycen McCurdy, who connected from long range to trim the deficit. The Salthawks carried a slim 26-24 lead into halftime.
The second half turned into a physical, back-and-forth battle with neither team able to create separation. Hutchinson took a 64-62 lead with 4.1 seconds remaining when Jalen Crable converted a free throw, setting the stage for one final possession.
Heredia received a pass near midcourt, found space just beyond the arc and drilled a wide-open 3-pointer as time expired, sealing a 65-64 Crusaders victory and snapping Hutchinson’s streak of wins in the series dating back to 2021.
Heredia led Buhler with 21 points, while McCurdy added 14 and Luke Holmburg finished with 13. Hutchinson was led by Lamar Govain’s 23 points, with Larry Jeremiah Jr. scoring 19 and Draydon Hippin contributing 12.
Hutchinson returns to action Tuesday by hosting Campus for its final home game before the Christmas break. Buhler travels Tuesday to face league rival McPherson.