GLEN GRUNWALD
Hutch Post
EMPORIA, Kan.-The Hutchinson Salthawk Boys Basketball team came up short in the consolation third place game versus Topeka-Highland Park, but finished in fourth place in the 2023 State Class 5A Basketball losing to the Scotties 79-46 Saturday in Emporia.
The Salthawks struggled from the field only shooting 31.7% on 19 of 60 field goal attempts, and only 2 of 26 in three point attempts. That's far from the average of over 40% three point shooting for the season that the Salthawks were used to. But, Saturday just was a tough day for them. Take nothing away from Highland Park. They were the top ranked team coming into the tournament being ranked #1 all season long. The Scotties were tripped up by Andover in Friday's semi-final game 56-55 on a last second free throw, otherwise they would have been playing for a championship on Saturday. Andover ended up defeating Kapaun on Saturday for the Championship, as well.
Hutch High jumped out early, but Highland Park quickly responded to take a 15-10 lead into the second quarter. Then the Scotties went on a 20-12 run to lead at half time, 35-22. The Salthawk shooting woes continued in the third quarter only hitting 5-14 shots, 0-6 from long range while Highland Park was 7-11 for 63.6%. The fourth quarter was more of the same with the Salthawks being outscored 27-12.
Hutchinson was led in scoring by super sophomore Terrell King with 17 pts., Wade Meyer and Dauntay King added 9 points each, Nic Lange scored 6, Julian Smith and Daylee VanSyckle had 2 each and Jay Lewis scored 1. Garrett Robertson was held scoreless, but finished his high school career with 955 points scored in varsity competition over four years.
Highland Park put three players in double digits with "Bo" Aldridge scoring 16, Jahmir Kingcannon 22, Tre Richardson 14. Richardson will be playing football for Hutchinson Community College in the fall.
Another side note, Highland Park head coach Mike Williams played basketball for Hutchinson Community College in 2004-05 seasons, averaging 9.9 points per game for the Blue Dragons.
Hutchinson (22-3) had a fantastic season by winning the AVCTL Championship. Winning the Dodge City Tournament of Champions, and being the third seed and a strong class 5A State Tournament field. The Salthawks have laid a foundation for the future. Hutch is only a few years removed from being 1-19. 22-3 looks pretty good.
Coach Miller gave special recognition to his program's seniors during his post game radio coaches show. He acknowledged Garrett Robertson, Wade Meyer, Dauntay King, Bradyn Rodriquez and Nic Lange for the accomplishments and achievements over the last couple of seasons.
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