For a fourth consecutive year, the #9 Hays High Indians opened up sub-state play with the #10 Buhler Crusaders.  For a fourth consecutive year they met up as the two and three seeds, this year in McPherson.

Hays never led in the first half against the Crusaders.  Hays trailed 7-5 and had one crack at taking the lead on a three pointer but missed.  The Crusaders went on a 8-0 run following the miss to take their first double digit lead at 15-5.  Buhler led 19-9 after the first quarter and pushed the lead to twelve a minute into the second quarter.

Hays finally found a rhythm on offense going on a 10-2 run to close the deficit down to 25-21.  The two teams trade baskets over the final two minutes.  The final basket came from Tradgon McCrae some seven feet from behind the arc as the quarter ended to bring Hays back within two at 28-26.

Highlights

 

Peyton Kieffer drilled back to back threes to open up the third quarter to take their first lead of the game at 32-28.  The Indians and Buhler traded baskets for the remainder of the third quarter with Buhler keeping their two point lead from halftime at 41-39.  Hays never led in the fourth quarter but did tie the score twice.  The last was at 45 each with 4:16 remaining.  Buhler scored the next seven points taking a 52-45 advantage.  Hays closed the gap down to four with thirty seconds left.  Buhler made just three of their final eight free throws allowing the Indians to have a chance.  Hays though could not score on their final two possession and fall 57-52.

Coach Rick Keltner

 

Tradgon McCrae scored a game high 19.  Peyton Kieffer added 15.  The Indians season closes at 14-7.  Buhler improves to 13-7.  Hays made 229 three pointers on the season falling just short of a state record 237 makes.