April 25, 2024

Demons swept by Hays

DODGE CITY–Dodge City’s girls slipped out of first place in the WAC after a grueling 44-38 loss to Hays in overtime Tuesday, while the boys lost their seventh consecutive game, 47-40, to the Indians at Dodge City’s Fieldhouse.

In the girls game, the teams traded leads five times and tied each other on seven different occasions throughout the contest. Prior to Tuesday, the last three meetings between Dodge City and Hays had been determined by a total of four points.

The teams entered overtime tied at 33, but the Lady Demons shot just 1-for-8 from the field in the extra period, while Hays was 3-of-4 and 5-for-9 at the free throw line.

For the game, Hays’ defense once again frustrated Bethany-commit Becca Unruh, who scored 15 points, but made just 4-of-19 field goal attempts. Dodge City finished less than 29% in the game from the floor.

The only other Dodge City player to reach double figures was Easha Potts, who scored 12 points and added nine rebounds.

Molly Martin paced Hays with 12 points but missed the entire overtime after she left with an apparent injury at the end of regulation.

The Lady Demons fall to 9-10 (5-2 WAC) with the loss and finish the regular season Thursday when they travel to No. 7 Liberal. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.

In the boys game, Dodge City was once again competitive and burst out of the gate to a 10-2 lead in the first quarter. But after a Sean Dreiling timeout, Hays quickly countered with a 13-1 run to regain the lead. 

The two teams traded leads seven times, mostly in the first half, but Hays grabbed enough of an advantage to keep Dodge at an arm’s length from the third quarter on.

Hays dominated the boards, out-rebounding Dodge 39-25 in the contest, including 14 offensive rebounds–10 of which came in the second half.

Outside shooting continued to be an issue for the Red Demons, who finished the contest 0-for-11 on 3-pointers.  

For the fourth straight game, Tochi Okoro was Dodge City’s leading scorer with 12 points and 10 rebounds. He was the only man in double digits for the Demons.

Jack Weimer scored a game-high 16 points for Hays.

Friday’s loss marked Dodge City’s seventh consecutive defeat, their longest losing streak of the season. 

The Red Demons fall to 5-14 (1-6 WAC) with the loss and finish the regular season Thursday when they travel to Liberal. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT.