Standouts from Goddard at Hutchinson

A pair of Arkansas Valley Chisholm Trail League teams clashed at Hutchinson Friday night. The visiting Lions battle for AVCTL Division II honors while the homestanding Salthawks compete in Division I. Both being 5A schools even now head-to-head results can make the difference if tie-breakers are called upon to determine seeding. Hutchinson started fast in taking a 14-5 first quarter lead. The Lions would get things going to control the second quarter, going in down only three. The would continue the momentum into the third, ultimately taking a small lead. The rest of the way was light. Entering the fourth quarter up 34-32 the Salthawks would eventually capitalize on couple turnovers and make a few plays to earn a 46-41 victory. Several players consistently impacted the game. Take a look below.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Goddard</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='349456' first='Marayah' last='Coleman'], 6'3", SF, 2025 - After a first half of largely being too passive and unselfish on the offensive end she ratcheted up her defense starting in the second. Come the second half she gradually started looking for her shot and to create to the point where her skills got put on display in the fourth. Coleman's great height for the position enables her to see everything, including to pick spots in the defense to attack off the dribble. She bagged a slick three-ball to finish with 5 points but fed others off the bounce, cleared rebounds, blocked or altered shots, and kept [player_tooltip player_id='675830' first='Kaia' last='Smith'] out of the lane in the fourth quarter.   [player_tooltip player_id='850410' first='Lauryn' last='Gordon'], 5'10", PF/SF, 2024 - Gordon, a player I have not seen since she was in eighth grade., was impactful all game long. Her length, quickness, speed, and transition handles set the stage for her to score, rebound, and defend very position. Scoring eight of her team high 13 points in the second half Gordan buried a pair of threes by moving into space and spotting up for a look. Unranked (until March!), she ought be playing somewhere next year.   [player_tooltip player_id='544022' first='Audrianna' last='Phillips']-Blevins, 5'6", SG, 2026 - Fast and quick on both ends of the floor Phillips-Blevins consistently hit timely mid-range shots in the middle quarters to finish with 10 points. She showed solid transition handles and a quick release with elevation on her jumper.   [player_tooltip player_id='836269' first='Presley' last='Schmidt'], 5'7", PG, 2027 - Watching Schmidt and [player_tooltip player_id='349452' first='Grace' last='Posch'] go at it all game was fun. Showing solid footwork and quick hands on the defensive end Schmidt was strong and fast with the ball. She creates, gets into the lane off the weave, and scores well in a variety of situations. A lock for the upcoming 2027 rankings release who is going to be a force for years to come.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hutchinson</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='850432' first='Azariah' last='Dawes'], 5'7", SG, 2024 - Dawes, the defending 5A state long jump champion who finished seventh in the 200 m dash, had her speed and hops on display. Add quick feet and hands and a nose for when to help on the ball it is all but over if she gets the steal. She is gone and even more she finishes at speed against challengers. Her team leading 11 points all came off finishes or smooth jumpers. Experienced and smart defensively she also handles well to create in the half court. A lock for the March 2024 class rankings update.   Kohlbie Craft, 5'8", C, 2026 - What Craft lacks in height at the center spot she more than makes up with strength, quickness around the basket, and headiness. Stockily built, Craft not only does not move easily on defense but she also seals and scores on defenders out of her post game. While her north-south speed is average she knows where to be and when to be there. With the ball, she controls it and passes well to her shooters on the perimeter and cutters to the hoop. Craft had 10 solid points.   [player_tooltip player_id='349452' first='Grace' last='Posch'], 5'6", PG, 2025 - A starter at point since day one of her high school career Posch was quicker and lighter on her feet than I have ever seen - and I have seen her a bunch between summers and the high school season. Absolutely deadly if left open on the perimeter she was strong and resilient against a determined and quick [player_tooltip player_id='836269' first='Presley' last='Schmidt']. Her experience and quick hands defensively were a big reason the Salthawks gained some space late. She defended and controlled the ball well. Posch also buried her second three late. A very good passer on the move and in the half court Posch was fast in transition as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='872358' first='Lily' last='Rodriguez'], 5'6", SG, 2025 - Rodriguez played a variety of roles at the guard spot. Scoring her five points in the first quarter she showed middle and three-point range abilities. Rodriguez is fast in transition and defends with quickness on the wings. One to watch as the season continues.   [player_tooltip player_id='675830' first='Kaia' last='Smith'], 6'1", SF/PF, 2025 - Among the most improved players in the state from last year Smith's summer ball work was clearly impactful. Always a long and fast perimeter shooter she is now a far more complete player on both ends of the floor. Athletic with ball skills to get to the rim off the bounce Smith had some trouble keeping track of [player_tooltip player_id='850410' first='Lauryn' last='Gordon'] as she moved through screens and traffic. But late defending [player_tooltip player_id='349456' first='Marayah' last='Coleman'] she matched well with her size, length and quickness to seal possible basket drive lanes and challenge perimeter shots. Smith will be one to watch as she gains more rebounding and post defense savvy.

A pair of Arkansas Valley Chisholm Trail League teams clashed at Hutchinson Friday night. The visiting Lions battle for AVCTL Division II honors while the homestanding Salthawks compete in Division I. Both being 5A schools even now head-to-head results can make the difference if tie-breakers are called upon to determine seeding. Hutchinson started fast in taking a 14-5 first quarter lead. The Lions would get things going to control the second quarter, going in down only three. The would continue the momentum into the third, ultimately taking a small lead. The rest of the way was light. Entering the fourth quarter up 34-32 the Salthawks would eventually capitalize on couple turnovers and make a few plays to earn a 46-41 victory. Several players consistently impacted the game. Take a look below.