Game Notes, Salina South at Hutchinson

In a pivotal 5A West clash the visiting Cougars and took on the homestanding Salt Hawks. Both teams, according to today's KSHSAA standings, are tied for the 8 & 9 spots with 7-5 records. The winner improves their chances of hosting a first round sub-state game. A 8-point loser to Salina South in December, Hutchinson also sought to even their season series.   The opening quarter was marked by three point shots and dominance by Hutchinson on the boards, particularly on the offensive glass. [player_tooltip player_id='880995' first='Elle' last='Barth'] and [player_tooltip player_id='349452' first='Grace' last='Posch'] each would bury a pair. Posch would have a hat-trick +1 by half time as several Cougars took turns trying to defend her. Not until the second half would they find someone who could stay with her. Hutchinson lead by a point heading into the second. After a period of lead changes the teams would go into the break tied at 23. Continuing from the second quarter the Cougars saw center [player_tooltip player_id='621241' first='Paityn' last='Fritz']'s impact on the game continue to grow. Scoring a little, challenging shots, and grabbing some key boards what set the tone was her passing. South would eventually grab a five point lead deep into the fourth quarter. Then Hutchinson's [player_tooltip player_id='675830' first='Kaia' last='Smith'] started hitting shots. A pair of bombs, a steal for a transition layup, and a pair of free throws gave her 10 straight points before South could answer. But with that coming with well under two minutes to go it would be too late. Hutchinson pulled out a 45-39 win. While a few players have already been mentioned, several players stood out for both teams. Take a look at the below.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Hutchinson</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='349452' first='Grace' last='Posch'], 5'6", PG, Hutchinson, 2025 - Posch was blistering from the perimeter in the first half, canning 4 three balls off the dribble and the spot up. She also caused havock moving away from the ball and off the dribble. Numerous Cougars struggled to stay with her. Not until late did she find a defender who could. The entire game Posch showed terrific handles and leadership. Her experience and understanding of the game stood out. While she only picked up 2 points in the second half she defended and created well.   [player_tooltip player_id='675830' first='Kaia' last='Smith'], 6'1", SF/PF, Hutchinson, 2025 - Smith did a number of things well but not until the fourth quarter did her good shot selection finally pay dividends. Once she canned her first triple she quickly nailed another the next trip down the floor. A steal that turned into a transition layup and a pair of free throws gave her 10 straight points, turning a 5 point deficit into a 5 point lead with under two minutes remaining. Before she got going in the scoring column what she did a quality job of was jumping to the ball with both hands and clearing rebounds. Her handles in transition and on perimeter were also good. She missed some shot blocking opportunities though and, with constant inside mismatches, interior scoring opportunities. Smith's length was a big disruptor defending on the wing.   [player_tooltip player_id='850390' first='Rachel' last='Tomac'], 6'0", C, Hutchinson, 2024 - Tomac had a terrific game from the start. Vastly improved since December after not having played since her freshman year I saw the moves I noticed when I first saw her as an eight grader. Tomac picked up a couple early hoops challenging Cougar center Payton Fritz and grabbed 5 big boards in the first quarter, 4 offensive. Tomac ran well, held her ground and walled up, and jumped to the ball well rebounding. Her length and hops enabled her to out-jump most everyone. Keeping Fritz occupied on both ends of the floor freed up other post players to get some looks due to interior mismatches. She made good use of her power dribble and looked to score but she needs to get the shot off quicker. To do that she needs to already know what shot she wants to take and where from before she touches the ball. Doing that will give her an edge down the stretch. Colleges looking for a big with plenty of high side better take a look.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Salina South</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='880995' first='Elle' last='Barth'], 5'7", SG, Salina South, 2026 - After burying a pair of three balls in the first quarter she quickly caused the Salthawks to commit their best guard defenders to stay with her. She defended solidly within the scheme, showed good transition speed, and passed well on the perimeter. A key player to prevent teams from collapsing inside.   [player_tooltip player_id='616732' first='Tamia' last='Cheeks'], 5'8, CG, Salina South, 2025 - Cheeks was an impactful player for the Cougars to start with her movement away from the ball, speed, quickness, and athleticism when abusing Salthawk defenders on back-cuts. She also did a solid job defending Hutchinson's [player_tooltip player_id='349452' first='Grace' last='Posch'] with headiness, length, and quickness of her hands and feet. I would love to see more of her scoring and shooting ability but defensively, she has the potential to be a great defender.   [player_tooltip player_id='621241' first='Paityn' last='Fritz'], 6'3", C, Salina South, 2026 - A true center with great size and strength, Fritz had a terrific game. Not due to scoring a bunch of points or grabbing a pile of rebounds but because of her poise, level-headedness, and smarts. While she transitions solidly for her size what I really liked was her footwork. She can physically overpower most defenders but her footwork enables her to score with control and finesse. Her rebounding technique is good and she alters and blocks shots without fouling. Fritz's most subtle skill is her passing out of the post. Hitting shooters spotting up, clearing balls off rebounds, and hitting teammates on backdoor cuts from the wing with consistency were evidenced. And she is only going to get better.

In a pivotal 5A West clash the visiting Cougars and took on the homestanding Salt Hawks. Both teams, according to today's KSHSAA standings, are tied for the 8 & 9 spots with 7-5 records. The winner improves their chances of hosting a first round sub-state game. A 8-point loser to Salina South in December, Hutchinson also sought to even their season series.