The Hutchinson High girls basketball team started slow on Thursday in the first round of the Mid America Classic in McPherson, and despite a strong second quarter, the Salthawks fell 53-39 to Olathe South.
Hutchinson was down 22-5 at the end of one quarter, but stormed back in the second, trailing 32-29 at halftime.
The Salthawks struggled offensively in the second half, scoring just 10 points.
After the opening eight minutes, Hutch allowed just 31 points.
Olathe South’s top player, Eve Long, showed why she’s one of the nation’s best. The junior scored 28 points and grabbed 14 rebounds while shooting 12 of 23 from the floor. Although she hasn’t committed to a college yet, Long has received interest from major programs coast to coast, including Connecticut, UCLA, Duke, Notre Dame and Kansas.
Daniel Morgan led Hutch with 15 points, and Lynnea Alvarez added 11.
Hutch will take on Wichita Northwest in a consolation game today.
