Hugoton Boys Advance; Girls Fall in Opener of Sterling Tournament

Sterling, KS (westernkansasnews.com)  The Hugoton boys basketball team improved their record to 8-1 with a 66-44 win against Life Prep Academy of Wichita at the Sterling Tournament.  Junior Parker Titus led all Hugoton players with 22 points including back to back threes at the end of the first half.  Coach Craig Szymczak senses Titus is putting it all together on the offensive end.

Sophomore Zack Leininger started out slowly, but still finished with a double-double 18 points and 10 rebounds. 

Bryce Kenny scored 18 points in the loss.  Life Prep closed to within 40-35 in the second half before Hugoton pulled away.  Coach Szymczak was happy with his team’s ability to step up their game when challenged.

Two areas where the Eagles excelled.  Hugoton led Life Prep on the boards 34-19 and outscored the Fire 48-18 in the paint. 

Boys Highlights

Hugoton boys go on to play Southeast Saline in Thursday’s semifinals at 7:30pm.  Southeast Saline held on to beat Hutchinson Trinity 54-50.

Top ranked Hugoton girls lost in their opening round game 49-36 to Lyons.  The Lady Eagles struggled from the field going 15 of 49 and only hit 3 of 23 three point attempts.  Hugoton forced 18 turnovers from Lyons, but committed 23 turnovers of their own.  

Amy Scott scored 12 points in the loss, Melissa Fabella had 8 points and 10 rebounds.  Brenna McClure poured in 12 for Lyons in the win.

Hugoton will play Hutchinson Trinity in a consolation semifinal Thursday afternoon starting at 3pm.   Both games can be heard on Hits 106 and westernkansasnews.com.