An eight point loss to Great Bend in early January was the first loss of the season for the boys basketball team.

This time around Hays won the match-up in dominating fashion, 49-20, to advance to the finals of sub-state play.

The game was senior night for the boys as coach Rick Keltner started all five seniors: Derek Bixenman, Nick Petz, David Cardinal, Adam Deterding and Hunter Gonzales.

Petz came out and hit a three to start the game and give the Indians a 3-0 lead. Great Bend then made a three to tie the game back up.

Both teams then made 2-point field goals for a 5-5 tie. After that Hays took the lead and never relinquished it.

The 20 points scored by Great Bend was the second fewest the Indians have allowed this season.

Sophomore Brady Werth led the team in points with 19 and Senior Derek Bixenman had 12.

The boys will face Liberal in the sub-state finals on Saturday, March 2.

13kgriffin@usd489.com