Hugoton’s Offense on Fire in Winning State Debut

Emporia, KS (westernkansasnews.com) The Hugoton Boys Basketball team made history Thursday night merely by walking on the court.  Their blowout win in the state quarterfinal added to a season that already qualifies as remarkable.

Zack Leininger had a double-double 17 points and 12 rebounds over 18 minutes leading four players in double figures as Hugoton the second seed at state drilled seventh seeded Garnett-Anderson County 78-42 from White Auditorium at Emporia State.  The win improves Hugoton’s record to 22-1 in their first appearance at state since 1951. 

Tony Kinser went 6-8 from the field for 16 points and added 3 of the team’s 8 blocks.  Wade Heger also added 14 and Colby Korf hit 3 three’s to finish with 10 points. Hugoton also went 18-28 from the line, Anderson County was perfect, but only had six trips to the stripe.

Anderson County’s Chase Ratliff hit 6 of 21 shots for 15 points in the loss.

The Eagles will play St. George-Rock Creek Friday night at 8:15 for a spot in this year’s 4-A II state championship game.  The game will be broadcast on Hits 106 and online at westernkansasnnews.com. 

Hugoton girls will begin the night with a rematch of last year’s semifinals against Clay Center.  Their game will begin at 6:30 and will also be aired.