By Dustin Armbruster

The Hays High Lady Indians headed out to Ulysses on Thursday night to open post-season play against Buhler. Just one notch in the win column separated the second seeded Lady Crusaders (8-12) and three seed Hays (7-13).

It was a rough first half for the two teams as they combined for 28 points. Buhler scored the first points of the game after 4:10 of play and took a 6-4 lead. The first points for Hays came with 1:55 left in the first quarter. Hays made just 2 of their 14 first quarter shots, but made the 14th to get within a basket at 6-4 at the end of the first quarter.

Highlights

Buhler used the games biggest first half run of 5-0 to build 16-8 lead. Hays scored the final four points of the quarter off baskets from Audra Schmeidler and Savannah Schneider and trailed 16-12 at half time.

Hays pulled within a single point at 20-19 on their first three pointer of the game from Mattie Hutchison. Buhler though responded with back-to-back threes to establish a seven point advantage. Trailing 27-22 entering the fourth quarter, Hays got within two points twice and three once. The last opportunity coming down 32-30 with 4:20 remaining following the second of three Talyn Kleweno fourth quarter three pointers. Buhler then went on their best run of the game, 13-0 over the next three minutes to put the game out of reach.

The Lady Indian’s season comes to a close with the 48-38 loss to Buhler. Hays ends the year at 7-14. Buhler moves into the championship game of sub-state on Saturday and improves to 9-12.

Coach Kirk Maska

Hays was led by the eleven points of Talyn Kleweno. The Indians graduate three seniors from the team, all who played a significant amount of games for coach Kirk Maska. Haley George played in 62 games, Nicole Dinkel 58 and Audra Schmeidler 69.