Opening Night Take Aways : Salina Central at Hutchinson

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Monday night was opening night, and home opener, for the Hutchinson Salthawks. It was a a class 5A Arkansas Valley Chisholm Trail League Div I matchup with 1-0 #8 ranked Salina Central. The Mustangs came in fresh off their opening night win over Maize. Below is a quick game summary followed by takeaways on several players for each team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Game Summary</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This was definitely a tale of two halves. Hutchinson had a golden opportunity to dig the Mustangs a 20+ point hole to climb out of by half time. The Salthawks repeatedly went to the line attacking the basket and did not cash in on many of the freebees. Tyler Vidricksen and company heated up on the perimeter, generated several live turnovers, and took over offensively inside with a key Salthawk post on the bench with foul trouble. Down nine at the break, the Mustangs would seize a 34-33 lead going into the fourth. With their teammate back on the floor for the fourth Hutchinson settled down for an exciting, tight end of the game. Tied at 41 late [player_tooltip player_id='349452' first='Grace' last='Posch'] hit a dagger three ball to give Hutchinson command. The Salthawks would take the win 45-41 soon after.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Hutchinson</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='345501' first='Hannah' last='Ames'], 6'0", PF, 2023 - A keenly aware player, Ames is seemingly the center of attention defensively as she uses her smarts block shots even without jumping; holds her position and boxes, and to be the team's best rebounder. She showed well out her face-up and back-to-basket games, the ability to take a rebound end-to-end, and transition with speed including with the ball. Gets to the line but must make those trips more successful.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='349458' first='Aliyah' last='Green'], 6'0", PF, 2025 - Green's size, athleticism, speed, and skill set make her an extremely difficult match-up. Extremely quick off the bounce, Green is also credible threat beyond the three point line. Getting to the basket, Green has the strength to absorb contact and finish with athleticism; with speed; and in a variety of ways. Green has terrific hops as well, making her difficult to stop on the offensive glass as well. Has a tendency to occasionally hang the ball out too far on drives, making the ball easy pickin's</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='349452' first='Grace' last='Posch'], 5'6", PG, 2025 - The team's clear floor leader, Posch showed a consistently high IQ level of play. She handled constant full court ball pressure well and made strong, quick passes in transition to finish breaks. Posch showed toughness on finishes, good traditional three point play ability, and that she is quickly developing into a top perimeter shooter. Posch is equally as smart and hard-nosed defensively. She defends with good balance and physicality.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='156298' first='Josie' last='McLean'], 5'6", SG, 2023 - The transfer from Nickerson quickly has established herself in the starting lineup with her all-around game. She is a quality perimeter threat but is also capable at running the point. She plays with physicality and experience. She was part of a couple 3A and 4A state tournament runs at Nickerson and a 5A volleyball tournament run with Hutchinson. McLean is steady on both ends of the floor and plays in control.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Salina Central</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tyler Vidricksen</strong>, 5'8", SG, 2024 - Vidricksen is a experienced, terrific, perimeter shooter with 23' range. She has a smooth motion and release off the catch and also pulled the trigger while dribbling on the perimeter. Quick enough to play on the top of the full court zone press, was frequently matched up with opposing post players when her quickness and length was needed. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Elle Denning</strong>, 5'10", SF/CG, 2024 - Has speed and quickness to play on top of the full court zone press. Shooter with fluid, quick release who canned a couple threes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brynn O'Hara</strong>, 5'9", SF, 2023 - O'Hara solidly makes the interior pass. She was effective scoring off a cut or slash and catch within 8' of the basket. O'Hara has good transition speed and quickness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Azbey Peckham</strong>, 5'6", SF, 2024 - Peckham uses a good step through move to create scoring chances. An effective defender with good length who slid into passing lanes, especially on the interior, to generate turnovers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->