HUTCHINSON – When Great Bend matched Hutchinson High’s intensity and execution, the Panthers were locked in a 15-15 tie after one quarter.
But once the No. 3 5A Salthawks cranked up their half-court and full-court defense, they rolled to a hard-fought 69-53 basketball victory over the Panthers Friday.
Hutchinson (8-0) was sparked by a pair of versatile guards – Wade Meyer, who scored 24 points and streaky-shooting Terrell King, who scored 14 of his 16 points after halftime. Nic Lange led the inside offense with 12 points.
The Salthawks swung the momentum with a 16-5 edge in the second period with five players scoring for a 31-20 halftime lead. Great Bend’s Carter Coombs converted a pair of 3-pointers and Ian Premer and Jacob Hall scored two baskets to pull the Panthers within 39-34.
But Hutchinson ignited a lightning quick 14-6 burst for a 53-40 lead fueled by full-court pressure defense. Meyer converted into 13 fourth-quarter points. Hutchinson converted several backcourt turnovers into easy transition points to thwart the Panthers’ second-half rally.
Hutchinson’s mix of aggressive ball-hawking guards and quickness everywhere, proved too much for the Panthers’ ballhandlers. Premer worked for a pair of 3-pointer and 14 points and Coombs enjoyed a strong performance with 12 points and his usual all-around hustle. Tyler Stuhlsatz added seven points.
Hutchinson’s full-court defense broke the Panthers’ backs, but the half-court defense was also effective. Great Bend's effort and intensity held firm for four quarters against a quick and talented Hutchinson team.
“To beat a team like Hutchinson, you have to play about perfect. Give them credit,” said Great Bend coach Kyle Kriegh. “I was impressed with their ability to pressure the basketball. They didn’t allow us to get into our offense. Hopefully, we can learn from this.”
Hutchinson’s pesky guards were a challenge to defend. Terrell King hit three consecutive 3-pointers and Meyer converted a trio of 3-pointers as the Salthawks hit 9 of 16 from long range.
“Meyer shot it well and Hutchinson shot the basketball really well,’ Kriegh said.
The freshman Premer more than held his own against a veteran Hutchinson team. Coombs was the night’s breakout performer as he knocked down 4 of 7 field goals.
“It was great to see Carter hit some shots and play so well,” Kriegh said. “We hit some other big shots.”
Kriegh liked the Panthers’ competitive spirit and ability to break Hutchinson’s pressure defense, especially in the first period. But the Panthers were unable to overcome the lost possessions and easy transition points.
Great Bend (4-5) will play Manhattan Home School (10-1) Jan. 19 at the El Dorado Bluestem Tournament.
Great Bend 15 5 18 15 – 53
Hutchinson 15 16 16 22 – 69
GREAT BEND (4-5)—Premer 6-11 0-0 14, Coombs 4-7 1-1 12, Stuhlsatz 2-5 3-4 7, Hall 2-3 2-2 6, Spray 2-10 1-2 5, Council 1-4 22 4, Scheuerman 2-6 0-0 4, Totals 19-46 9-11 53
HUTCHINSON (8-0)—Meyer 6-12 9-9 24, Terrell King 6-12 1-2 16, Lange 4-7 4-4 12, Robinson 40-8 0-0 9, Smith 2-6 0-0 6, Dauntay King 1-2 0-0 2, Rodriguez 0-1 0-0 0, Totals 69
3-pointers—GB 6-16 (Council 3-5, Premer 2-3, Council 1-3, Scheuerman 0-1, Stuhlsatz 0-1, Spray 0-3); H 9-16 (T. King 3-3, Meyer 3-5, Smith 2-4, Robinson 1-4)
