The nation’s No. 8 team was able to flex its muscle on Saturday at the expense of the Allen Community College women’s basketball team.
Hutchinson Community College topped Allen 89-57 in Iola.
“They are a very, very good team and I think they are one of the best, if not the best, in our conference,” Allen coach Todd Buchanan said. “They are exactly what we want to become.”
Hutchinson busted out to an 18-5 lead midway through the first quarter. The Red Devils responded with a 7-0 run with five points from freshman point guard Kamri Summons to get within six points.
The Blue Dragons outscored the Red Devils 28-12 in the second quarter to build a 24-point halftime advantage at 50-26.
Hutchinson opened the second half on a 13-0 run and took complete control of the game.
Allen made a late attempt to close the gap, but wound up settling for a 32-point final margin.
“I was proud that our kids fought back and didn’t hang their heads,” Buchanan said. “That is our theme for 2017. We are going to play every second… We are going to keep coaching and they are going to keep playing.”
Summons led the Red Devils with 11 points and seven rebounds from her point guard spot.
“I have been really proud of her with the way she has handled everything,” Buchanan said. “She has come back a lot more confident and a lot more mature, and it shows in her play.”
Freshman Kendra Houston had 10 points and sophomore Damonica Franklin had nine points with three blocked shots.
Allen sophomore Presley Stephens played in her second-straight game after returning from her June torn ACL.
“She is another true weapon that can step out and shoot the three,” Buchanan said of the 6-1 post. “It speaks volumes about her with how she is doing and coming back from injury. A lot of kids would just chalk it up and not come back from it, but she is and I’m extremely proud of that.”
She was 3-of-4 shooting with seven points and five rebounds.
Hutchinson was led by Taylor Stahly with 14 points on 4-of-4 shooting from beyond the three-point line. Alicia Brown and Kirea Rogers each had 13.
Blue Dragons put away Red Devils
