By JAYCEE DALE
A slow start, followed by a strong rally. It’s seemingly becoming the trend for the Hays High School boys’ basketball team during the last several games.
Friday night’s Western Athletic Conference battle against Dodge City at the HHS gym was no different.
In the end, the result was familiar: HHS 44, Dodge City 38.
With a slow start offensively, the undefeated Indians struggled to score, only managing three points in the first eight minutes as the Demons moved out to a 14-3 advantage.
Hays High was never able to take the lead in the second quarter. The Indians were able to score 12 points in the frame, but that wasn’t enough to take the lead before half time.
The Indians’ 15 points in the first half were one of its lowest outputs this season, and left HHS trailing 26-15 at the break.
Indians came out battling in the third quarter, finally able to outscore the Demons 15-9. Hays High got within two points but was unable to take the lead.
Dodge City went into the final quarter ahead, 35-30.
Hays High got within one early in the fourth quarter. Dalyn Schwarz was able to tie up the game for the first time at 37 with a free throw.
Hays High sent Dodge City to the free-throw line to take back the lead by one. The Indians were finally able to take their first lead of the game at 40-38 off a TJ Nunnery 3-pointer.
Dodge City had no other choice but to send the Indians to the line to stop the clock late in the contest. With an opportunity to increase the lead, Jason Krannawitter was sent to the line after a technical on the Dodge City coach.
Hays High was able to stretch the lead and stop the Demons from scoring in the final minute of the game.
Nunnery led the Indians with 13 points, and Jace Linenberger followed with 11.
Hays High will be on the road Friday against Colby.
