Lady Eagles Soar to First Conference Championship Since 1991

Ulysses, KS (westernkansasnews.com) During halftime of Tuesday night’s girls basketball game in Ulysses the lights went off for a period of 15 minutes. Even that delay could not dim the enthusiasm of the Hugoton Lady Eagle basketball team in winning their first conference championship since 1991.

Girls Highlights

A year earlier, Hugoton lost by 16 points on Ulysses’ home floor a defeat that prevented the Lady Eagles from winning a share of the conference crown, falling a game short of Holcomb in the final GWAC standings. What a difference a year makes.

Hugoton jumped out to a 16-2 lead and led 41-13 at half before nailing down a 65-29 win at Ulysses. The last time Hugoton won a conference championship it was in the High Plains League 24 years ago.

Freshman Dallie Hoskinson scored 15 points all in the first half, Katy Heger had a game high 17 and Amy Scott added 16 in the win. Ulysses fell to 3-5 in the GWAC. Two players scored in double figures for the Lady Tigers. Carolina Gallegos a two time second team all-conference at Ulysses scored 10, while Jessi Arnold poured in 12.

Hugoton Girls Coach Andy Gillen

Hugoton Senior Players Riley Sosa and Stef Aremendariz

Hugoton Senior Players Taylor Fiss and Melissa Fabella

Boys Highlights

The boys game lacked a little of the dramatic flare that the girls game possessed, but it was still important as Hugoton won their 12^th game surpassing their win total from all of last year when they went 11-10 beating Ulysses for the third times this year 57-47. Four different Eagles scored in double figures led by Wade Heger’s 14. Parker Titus finished with 12, sophomore center Tony Kinser 11 and Zack Leininger 10. Hugoton strengthens their hold on third place with the win.

Despite 20 Hugoton turnovers the defense still held Ulysses to 34 percent from the field. Sophomore post player Tre Pauda, a player who saw limited time in the two prior matchups with Hugoton scored 11. Tregg Rodriguez was limited to ten second half points.

Hugoton Coach Craig Szymchak