The 6A girls state tournament got off to a rousing start for the Manhattan Indians Tuesday night as they were able to hold off a comeback by Hutchinson to claim a 36-31. The 11th seeded team on the 6A West bracket built to as much as a nine point lead in both the second and third quarters, but saw Hutch tie the game at 30 at the end of the 3rd. The Indians would limit the Salthawks to 1 fourth quarter point to seal the win. Destiny Yates scored 9, Avery Larson 8 as Manhattan will advance to face Washburn Rural on Friday night, after the Lady Blues blasted Garden City, 61-27. Friday’s game will be the third meeting between the teams this season and their 6th in the past two seasons. Tip will be at seven Friday night in Topeka.
Manhattan High’s boys take their turn at the post-season Wednesday night, visiting Wichita Northwest. The Grizzlies are the 4th seed in the west at 14-6.
Also Tuesday night, Rock Creek advanced as the 3rd seed on the 4A West bracket, hammering Buhler 57-18. The Mustangs will host McPherson Friday night for the sub-state title. On the East bracket, Wamego dominated Tonganoxie 55-34 to move into the sub-state final Friday night against Holton.
The Wamego boys host Coffeyville Field Kindley Wednesday night at six to open the 4A East playoffs, while Rock Creek heads for Concordia for a 7:00 tip off on the West bracket.
In 3A last night, the Riley County girls 42-33 road win at Minneapolis to move into the sub-state semi-finals.
