By Dustin Armbruster

Hays 73 – Palmer Ridge, CO 62

Hays never trailed in their win over Palmer Ridge, Colorado in Colby on Friday night. But certainly does not mean the game was easy.

Hays jumped out to a 10-0 lead and extended that lead to 17-4 mid way through the first quarter. Hays would lead by 13 points on four different occasions in the first half. Palmer Ridge though had a comeback every time Hays would start to pull away. The Bears used a 16-5 run to get within in two at 37-35. The Indians answered with eight straight points, on two Shane Berens free throws and two Drew Young three pointers to build the lead back to 10 at half time.

Highlights

Hays held the lead between 8 and 10 points for most of the third quarter and led 57-49 going to the final quarter. Palmer Ridge pulled within five points twice and four once in the fourth quarter at 65-61, but Hays held on down the stretch to win 73-62.

The Indians were led in scoring by Brady Werth with 17. Drew Young scored a career high 14 and Isaiah Nunnery added 13. Palmer Ridge was led in scoring by Tyler Trego and Matthew Cameron who each scored 18.

Coach Rick Keltner

Hays is now 9-2 on the season and ranked 9th in Class 4A-D1. Palmer Ridge drops to 9-5 and is ranked 8th in Class 4A in Colorado.

The Indians will play Scott City in the championship game at the Colby Orange and Black Classic on Saturday evening around 8:15.