Blue Dragon men’s basketball team marches on Saints

By Greta Klein
Staff writer

After a snowy and cold couple of days in Hutchinson, the Hutchinson Community College men’s basketball team returned home to take on the Seward County Saints.

During the game, both teams got aggressive, causing the game to feel chippy as it progressed. In the second half the Blue Dragon defense held the Saints to their season low, leading to the Blue Dragons 76-42 victory.  

“We have been really good defensively all season, and I think it showed tonight,” Blue Dragon coach Tommy DeSalme said. “We take some pride in our defense, and that is the key piece of our team. We are not playing as fast as we did early in the season, we want to be able to control the pace of the game.” 

Coming out of the locker room, that is what the Blue Dragons did. In the second half, Hutch only allowed 20 points. The Saints were unable to control their offense, as they had eight turnovers in the second half. 

“I think this team is very special,” sophomore guard Kernan Bundy said. “Our record does show that we are a special team this year, but that does not show the hard work we put in practice or the dedication we have for one another.”

Defensive stops were not the only team effort for the Blue Dragons, as Hutch out rebounded Seward County 44-21. In the second half, Hutchinson gathered 25. 

“I think we’re rebounding a lot better after the holiday break,” DeSalme said. “And it makes a big difference when you’re trying to stop other teams, especially when they’re as cold as they were tonight.”

Throughout the game Hutch was trying to accomplish their new strategy. The Blue Dragons plan of attack is to limit the points in a series of defensive stands, while being able to take their time and find the right opportunity on offense.

“We were able to shut them off of us and just keep on adding four-point leads.” Bundy said.

For Bundy and the Blue Dragons, his game has helped them put up a 13-2 record. 

At the end of the game, Bundy finished with 15 points, four rebounds, one assist, one blocked shot, and one steal in 21 minutes of play. 

“Fifteen points or not, I’m always trying to attack the defense and trying to create something for my teammates. I always want to make sure we as a team accomplish it together,” Bundy said.

Hutchinson will be on the road to Coffeyville to take on the Red Ravens 4 p.m. on Saturday. The Blue Dragons will return home for a KJCCC battle with the Barton Cougars at 7:30 p.m. in the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

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