Panthers coast past Monarchs

BY JIM MISUNAS
jmisunas@gbtribune.com

HAYS – The Great Bend girls suddenly feature a two-headed offensive monster.

Emilee Hall scored a career high 18 points to spark a 50-25 rout of Hays Thomas More Prep. Hall’s confidence is sky high after earning all-tournament honors with three solid games at the Salina Invitational.

Hall has perfected her mid-range game and quickly took advice from coach Cindy Beck who gave the heads-up for a ball fake and a drive for a basket.

“Emilee is a great basketball player who always plays at a high level,” Beck said. “She understands what the defense is giving her offensively.”

The Panthers earned payback against the Monarchs after losing 46-29 in Great Bend last year.

Great Bend (10-3) broke a 4-game streak of scoring 44 points with a victory. Beck was pleased with the defensive effort, especially after competing in three games in three days last week.

“It was another good night defensively,” Beck said. “It’s a great win for the girls. I was worried that our legs might be a little dead. They proved me wrong and came out with good energy.”

The Panthers held the Monarchs (5-9) to 4 of 24 first-half shooting for a dominating 28-9 lead. Hall scored 12 first-half points and sparkplug Alyssa McCauley added five first-half points and a 3-pointer.

Next up is Western Athletic rival Hays High after splitting with the Indians the past two years. The Panthers pulled off a 37-36 victory at Hays last year.

Great Bend 15 13 13 9 – 50

Hays TMP 4 5 6 10 – 25

GREAT BEND (9-3)—Hall 18, Spray 11, McCauley 7, Nicholson 6, Premer 6, Ringo 2.