HAYS — Great Bend Middle School coach Kyle Jeffrey was pleased with the effort and attitude, but Hays Middle School swept past the 8th-grade girls in middle school basketball.

Coach Jeffrey knew Hays was a challenge for the Lady Panthers (1-1), who had set a goal to compete with Hays.

“Hays is an experienced team that has dominated over the years,” Jeffrey said. “The girls were not afraid going into the game. They took a can-do attitude on the court.”  

Panther Kyndall Blessing converted a basket and “and 1” to give the Panthers a 3-0 lead. However, that was the last lead the Panthers would hold.

 “The girls fought hard and never gave up,” Jeffrey said. “We learned a lot about our team and are making some adjustments. We looking forward to playing Hays at the end of the season.” 

SCORING—Kyndall Blessing 8 points, Kynslee White 2, Brecken Carroll 2, Valarie Luna 2, Ciera Depenbusch 2, Reagan Huslig 1, Autumn McHenry 1, Madelynn Gregg 1.

GBMS 8TH GRADE B — The GBMS B-team held Hays to eight first-quarter points. Hays adjusted and rolled to a 20-3 halftime lead.

Valarie Luna scored two points followed by Katie Kuhlman and Dennise Chavez with one point each. 

“The girls worked hard and executed many good plays,” said coach Courtney Maska. “We weren’t able to get our shots to fall.”