Experienced Hays Proves Too Much for Lady Buffaloes

GARDEN CITY, KS. – Hays has always been known for its size and coaching, over their strong tenure under head coach Len Melvin.

They showed both of which on Friday night.

The Garden City Lady Buffaloes were dealt their largest loss of the season, falling 57-26 to the Hays Indians at The Garden. The Buffaloes have now lost their last four games, dating back to January 9th.

“I saw a lot of youth, but I also saw a lot of heart,” Garden City head coach Jacob Miller said. “We’re going to continue to get better.”

Hays hit 20-of-22 free throws in their 65-49 win at Garden City last season, and repeated that same recipe to kickstart Friday’s blowout. The Indians scored eight of their first nine free throws, hitting 12 in the first half.

Garden City (5-4, 0-2 WAC) struggled to get their offense going early, trailing 19-6 in the first quarter. The Buffaloes committed eight first quarter turnovers in the loss.

The Buffs still built form their first WAC affair, when they turned the ball over 32 times.

“I saw [improvements] in spurts, but we have to get more consistent. Again, it’s our youth,” Miller said. “Give it up to Hays, they’re really, really well-coached. They were kind of in our position three-four years ago, so I look forward to continuing to grow with these girls.”

Hays (5-3, 2-0 WAC) led 32-18 at the half, only the second time the Buffaloes had trailed at the break. GCHS had no answers for Molly Martin, who closed the first half with 12 points.

Martin closed with 21 points in the victory for the Indians, well over her season average of 13.4 points per night.

Garden City had just one player score in double-figures. Forward K.J. Pinchon finished in double-figures for her third game against Hays, pouring in 10 points in the victory.

The Buffaloes will have an 11-day off period before their next matchup, resuming non-conference play against the Goodland Cowgirls on January 23rd. Coverage begins on KWKR 99.9 ‘The Rock’ at 5:40 P.M.

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