HUTCHINSON, Kan. - Both Hutch High coaches felt like the Chiefs head coach Andy Reid waiting three weeks to play a game after the severe weather and snow postponements from last week, but there was no sight of rust for either varsity team as Hutch High got the broom out to start 2025 with two convincing wins to sweep Valley Center.
Girls Recap:
The Salthawk girls earned a 28-22 win over the Hornets by having a strong start to the game with 15 first half points to lead by eight 20-12 at the half and extend the lead to 31-16 going into the final quarter.
2nd year head coach Kalen Hilst was a little worried about another fourth quarter meld down like what happened back on December 20th versus Ark City, but the Salthawks did not let that happen and cruised to their 4th win of the season.
Hutch was led by Kolbie Craft's 11 points as she cashed in on two basket and one opportunities in the second half to score nine of her game high points in the 3rd and 4th quarters. Grace Posh added eight and Kaia Smith had seven as the Salthawks had good, balanced scoring from their starters. Anna Duncan let the Hornets with seven points.
Defense was the name of the game for the Salthawks as they forced 28 Hornet turnovers in total.
Boys Recap:
If you could bottle up and save whatever the Salthawks had going in the third quarter and use it in future games, it would be ideal as Hutchinson swatted Valley Center 66-40 at the Salthawk Activity Center Tuesday night.
Senior forward Taishaun Govain had his best night as a Salthawk scoring 12 of his game high 22 points in the third quarter but he wasn't alone as Mr. everything Terrell King had nine third quarter points to add to the mix. King had a total of 20 points on the night. Sophomore sensation Lamar Govain added nine points as the Salthawk defense was in lock down mode all night long.
Hutch opened on fire to lead the Hornets 15-6 after the first quarter. Valley Center settled down to play even with the Salthawks in the second quarter to trail by nine at intermission 29-20. But Govain and company blew the doors off the SAC with 27 third quarter points to cruise the rest of the way for their 4th win of the season. Hutch only loss was on opening night to the Maize Eagles.
Levi Kepler controlled the glass for the Salhawks while King and T. Govain took care of the scoring.
It was only the second loss of the season for Valley Center after losing a two point game at home to Derby last week.
The Salthawk next game will be Friday night at home as the Great Bend Panthers come to town. Girls tip time is 6pm followed by the boy's at 7:30pm. You can catch all the action of KWBW Radio at 1450 AM/98.5 FM or download the KWBW app as well. Both games will be streamed on the NFHS Network and hudl.tv as well.