No. 5 Hutch Returns To Winning Ways Downing Independence
(January 17, 2022)
Hutchinson, KS – Starting through the Jayhawk Conference second round, the Blue Dragons found themself trailing by ten in early in the game, 21-11. Using a 49-30 rush to close out, Hutch went headed into the locker room ahead 60-51. Angelo Stuart and Kaimen Lennox provided most of the damage inflicted on the Pirates, netting 18 and ten respectively after 20 min.
Independence never fully recovered from that first half turnaround, although they did follow up with a solid effort in the second half. It just wasn’t enough as HCC leaves the court 118-103 victors. Once the Dragons scored the first points of the second half, ICC could never get the game back to single digits.
The Pirates actually out shot their hosts, 51% to 38, but Hutch’s balance (six in double digits) and 24 Indy turnovers pushed the Dragons to their 17th win against two losses. The Dragons are 11-2 in the KJCAA, a half game behind 1st place Dodge City CC.
Stuart earned top billing in the win, finishing with 25 points. It was the 15th time in 19 outings, including 13 of the last 14 Angelo has topped the 20 pt mark. He is averaging 22.3 ppg, placing him 10th in the nation.
Cecil Lee carded his first career twofold grabbing 10 rebounds and scoring 17. Lennox completed play with 15 points, dealing out seven assists. Jacquez Yow (8 boards) and Jayden Garrison each tossed in 13. Nate Goodlow added 11 points and 5 steals.
The Pirates, now 7-12/4-9, got a solid performance from Johan Nziemi, who produced game highs, 27 points (10 of 14 FGs), 13 rebounds and four blocks. Jordan Clark, also doubled up with 24 points, and 10 rebounds, going 12 of 12 from the free-throw line. Rodney Munson put in 16 points, with Precious Okoh and Ty Butner adding 12 and 11.
Hutch launched 33 threes, connecting on 13 (40%), outscoring the Pirates 39-6 from outside the arc. They also finished plus six on the boards, got 46 points from their bench (+18), committed half as many TOs, scoring 37 points to ICC’s 14 off each others miscues.
The victory extended the Dragons dominance over Indy to 17 straight. Next up for Hutch is Wednesday the 19th vs. Cloud Co at the Sports Arena.
Independence returns home to greet Colby on Wednesday.
