Salina South edges Hutchinson girls basketball 42-40

The Hutchinson High School Salthawks girls basketball team hosted the Salina South High School Cougars at the Salthawk Activity Center on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2026.

In a tightly contested match, the Salthawks took an early lead, holding on to a four-point advantage for most of the first quarter. Hutchinson freshman Danai Morgan provided the spark for the Salthawks on offense with several baskets off drives through the lane.

Hutchinson attempted to put some distance on the scoreboard, getting out to a six-point lead at the midpoint of the second quarter. But the Cougars refused to back down, and the Salthawks held a slim two-point lead, 19-17, at the end of the first half.

The third period began slowly for both squads. The Cougars were able to draw even at the four-minute mark of the period. Salthawk junior Tenley Keeton and senior Kohlbie Craft responded, with Keeton hitting two field goals for five points, and Craft scoring just as time expired to give the Salthawks a 26-21 lead.

In the fourth quarter, Keeton continued to lead the effort on offense, connecting on several additional 3-pointers. But the Cougars proved to be a formidable opponent, taking their first lead of the game, 40-38, with under a minute left. Each team managed one additional basket in the remaining seconds, allowing Salina South to take the victory, 42-40.

With this loss, the Salthawks' record now stands at 4-4. Their next game will be an away game versus Valley Center on Tuesday, Jan. 12. Hutchinson will play several games away, with their next home match scheduled for Feb. 10, 2026, hosting the Valley Center Hornets at the Salthawk Activity Center.