By JEREMY McGUIRE
Hays Post

TMP 64, Ellis 46

TMP trailed Ellis by a score of 11-6 midway through the first quarter in Monday night’s opening round of the Mid-Continent League Tournament.  The Monarchs then proceeded to embark on a 15-2 run that spanned into the second quarter.  They would not relinquish the lead again.  TMP led 31-24 at the half and stretched that lead to 48-37 heading into the fourth quarter.

The Monarchs used a quick five-nothing spurt to start the fourth and cruised to the 18 point win from there.  It is the second time in the last 10 days that TMP has beaten the Railroaders in Ellis following a 69-55 Monarch win on January 9th.  Jared Vitztum led three Monarchs in double figures with 18 points.  Kameron Schmidt had 13 and Max Megaffin added 12.

TMP is in the middle of a five game winning streak and are now 6-4 on the season.  Ellis drops to 6-4 and are heading in the other direction with a four game losing streak. TMP will now play Stockton in the semifinals on Friday in WaKeeney.  Ellis will play Phillipsburg in the consolation semifinals on Thursday in Plainville.

JOE HERTEL INTERVIEW

HIGHLIGHTS