Hays High made a run at knocking off three straight undefeated opponents at the Mid-America Classic in McPherson, but came up short of beating host school McPherson 52-42 on Saturday night in the title game.

Hays led early 9-2 and still led by seven midway through the second quarter 19-12 putting a worrisome feeling into the McPherson faithful that they might be the next undefeated team to fall to Hays High.  McPherson though would go on a 14-2 run highlighted by four three pointers from Hailey Ruder, who had just five made three point field goals all season prior to the tournament.

Hays High did lead by one at half time and in the early 3rd quarter but were outscored 20-6 in the third and a 15 point deficit in the early fourth proved too much for Hays High to overcome, though they did make things interesting getting within seven late.  Second place is the best finish for Hays High at the McPherson tournament and Hays has gone 4-2 over the past two years at one of the toughest girls tournaments in the state.

Hays was led in scoring by Paige Lunsford with 21 points.  Paige scored 60 points in the tournament and was the leading scorer over the three games.  The 60 points also tied for 9th all-time for points in three games by a senior player.  Lunsford finishes her four years at the Mid-America Classic with 143 points and ranks 10th all-time for career points for a four year player.  Lunsford also broke the record for most free throws made in three games at the tournament with 23, breaking the previous record by three.  Lunsford made 23 of 28 free throws in the tournament.

Katelyn Schumacher finished the tournament with 29 rebounds and had the second highest tally for the three games.

Taylor Herman topped the tournament with six blocks over the three days.

Both Lunsford and Schumacher were named to the all-tournament team.  It is the first time that Hays has had a player given such an honor.  The Indians also were given the team sportsmanship award as well.

Earlier in the day Lunsford finished in a tie for first in the three point contest, but was awarded second after a shoot-off.

Hays drops to 8-4 on the season and will be home on Tuesday, January 31st to take on Salina South in a girls and boys double header.

Highlights:
hilights1-28-12

Post Game Head Coach Int.:
post1-28-12