By JAYCEE DALE
A young Hays High School girls’ basketball team featuring a new coaching staff taking on a talented state power didn’t have ideal results for the Indians on Thursday night.
Hugoton rolled by Hays High 47-26 to open the Gerald Mitchell Hays City Shootout at the HHS gym.
The two teams remained in a tight battle, with both squads tied at 8-all after the first eight minutes.
The Eagles’ defense in the second quarter allowed Hugoton to pull out to a slight 21-15 edge at halftime.
Coming out of the locker room, the Indians (0-1) kept it close but were unable to take the lead. Hugoton’s defense proved to be too much for HHS, allowing the Eagles to move out to a 31-19 lead.
Hays High trailed 33-20 entering the fourth quarter.
The Indians struggled offensively in the final period, scoring only six points as the Eagles pulled away for the 21-point victory.
Morgan Engel led Hays High with 10 points.
The Indians will face Life Prep Academy at 6:30 p.m. tonight in the second round of the tourney.
