By JEREMY McGUIRE
Hays Post
Girls: TMP 64, Great Bend 51
HAYS, Kan.-TMP stepped on to their home court for the first time in nearly a month on Tuesday night and the Lady Monarchs were energized in their 64-51 victory over Great Bend. The offensive struggles that plagued them the last few games were non-existent as they raced out to a 16-10 lead after the first quarter.
TMP used a solid rebounding effort along with good defense to help push the lead in the second quarter to as many as 18 points. The Lady Monarchs took a 35-19 at the halftime break. Kayla Vitztum led TMP with 12 first half points and Aubrey Koenigsman scored 9 points on three makes from beyond the arc.
Great Bend would keep the game competitive in the second half as they cut the TMP lead to 56-47 late in the fourth quarter. TMP would close the door late from the free throw line to pick up the 13 point win. Vitzum would lead the way with 30 points for the Lady Monarchs who improve to 15-2 on the year and will host Stockton for senior night on Friday night.
ROSE MCFARLAND INTERVIEW
GAME HIGHLIGHTS
Boys: TMP 62, Great Bend 43
HAYS, Kan.-Joe Hertel’s teams feast off of their home court advantage at Al Billinger Fieldhouse in Hays. On Tuesday night the TMP Monarchs ate well as they devoured Great Bend. It took some time for the Monarchs to get things going as they trailed 18-12 after the first quarter of play.
The second quarter would be a battle as neither team could create any space. The Panthers led most of the second quarter. TMP would even things at 29 points each with a long Luke Ruder three pointer. Creighton Renz led to charge for Joe Hertel’s club with 12 first half points.
TMP would take only their second lead of the game early in the third quarter and wouldn’t look back. The Monarchs would push their lead to as many as 19 points in the fourth quarter and would end with that margin of victory, 62-43.
David McFarland led the way for TMP with 17 points. Renze finished with 16 and Michael Lager had 11. The Monarchs improve to 12-5 on the year and will host Stockton on Friday night.
JOE HERTEL INTERVIEW
GAME HIGHLIGHTS