Continuing to get better and playing a full 32 minutes have been key goals for girls head coach Chris Fear down the stretch of this season. Those goals came to fruition in the brickhouse tonight with the Lady Mustangs defeating the Lady Salthawks by a final of 55-43.

Both teams started cold from the floor, and turnovers were a plenty in the opening minutes with Hutchinson leading 3-2 halfway through the first frame. Salina Central however would spring to life sparked by three treys from freshman Aubrie Kierscht, and the Lady Mustangs closed the quarter on a 13-2 run to lead at the end of the first 15-5. The Lady Salthawks opened quarter number two on a 5-0 run to close within five at 15-10 with 4:35 to go in the half. Central however would build the lead back out to nine at the break up 27-18.

The second half saw Central extend their lead to as many as 13. Hutch would use an 8-0 run to close within five with 2:50 to go in the third quarter, but a 7-0 run to end the period by the Lady Mustangs built their lead back to 12 at the end of three 40-28. The Lady Salthawks would be unable to get any closer with Central finishing off the fourth quarter with a 6-0 run on their way to a 55-43 victory.

Kierscht set a new career high with 25 points while Hampton Williams chipped in with 14. Gabbie Posch led the way for Hutchinson with 14 of her own. The win moves Salina Central to 9-6 overall (5-3 AVCTL) with Hutchinson dropping to 5-10 (2-6 AVCTL)

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In the nightcap, the Central boys got back on track, putting their two game losing streak to rest with a resounding 50-35 win completing the series sweep of Hutchinson.

A physical first quarter saw the Mustangs on top at it’s conclusion 7-5. The second quarter may very well have been the difference maker with Salina Central outscoring the Salthawks 16-4 in the period to lead at halftime 23-9.

Hutchinson however would battle back, opening the second half on a 10-1 run to get within five at 24-19 with 4:35 remaining in the third quarter. Both teams would trade blows to end the frame with the Mustangs on top 31-24. Senior point guard Harper Williams would steal the show in the final period, hitting four huge perimeter shots to will his team to victory.

Williams would lead all scorers with 28 points. Tate Webster had 15 for the Salthawks.

The win improves the Mustangs record to 11-4 overall (4-4 AVCTL) while Hutchinson drops to 2-13 (0-8 AVCTL)

Salina Central will return to action on Friday as they face in town rival Salina South.

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