By JAYCEE DALE
A close game early ended with another resounding victory for the Hays High School boys’ basketball team.
Hays High started out tight with Abilene on Tuesday night at the HHS gym, leading by only seven points. Abilene was able to get within four of the Indians with a minute left in the quarter, only to lead 19-4 after the first period.
Hays High was hot in the second quarter, eventually moving out to a 29-15 advantage. Abilene never got within 10 of the Indians as HHS went into the half ahead 35-22.
Indians didn’t back off defensively in the third quarter and created a sizable lead against the Cowboys. Hays High was able to go into the fourth quarter with a comfortable 50-33 lead.
Hays High never let Abilene back into the game and was able to go deep into the bench. Hays High concluded the game with a 70-46 victory.
Hays High was ranked No. 3 in this week’s Class 5A poll and will face Garden City on Friday night.
Jace Linenberger led the Indians with a double-double, 20 points and a career-high 14 rebounds. Three more Indians put up double figures: Carson Kieffer, 13; Noah Weimer, 12; and Jordan Dale, 12.
