Sunflower State natives help Blue Dragons men’s basketball

By Greta Klein
Staff writer

For sporting teams, success can be had with team chemistry and strong work ethic. Or it is a couple of standout players.

For the Hutchinson Community College men’s basketball team, both apply.

This season the Blue Dragons have a 23-4 record with only a couple of games left.

With the post-season looming, the Blue Dragons are focusing on the little things, but not losing sight of the end goal.

Sophomore guard Kernan Bundy expanded on his thoughts about the Blue Dragons team this season.

“To play on this team is just great because everyone is super skilled and has a super high IQ for the game of basketball,” Bundy said. “Everyone is invested in winning and that’s all you need with a great team in any level of basketball or sports.”

For the Blue Dragons to get to the national spotlight, Bundy says the team is motivated and will do anything to accomplish their goals.

“We continue to bring it every day and push each other,” Bundy said. “We know that in the end, we want a ring on our fingers, so we’re going to do all we can and hopefully get it done.”

But for the men’s basketball team to get their dreams and goals accomplished, Bundy says there is still growth within this team. 

“I’m excited to finish out the regular season portion of our schedule. For me personally, I want to continue to grow with my teammates on and off the court to make a deep run in the postseason,” said Bundy.

On Feb. 17,, the Blue Dragons had a tough loss against Butler 71-65.

Looking back at that game Bundy said he feels that this is not a representation of this Hutch team.

“I don’t think our energy was there but at the end of the day it’s in the past now and it’s time to move on,” Bundy said.

Hutch hit the road for two consecutive games against Northwest Kansas Tech and Seward Community College, and the Blue Dragons won both, showing Bundy was correct in moving on.

The guard out of Overland Park says that playing for the Blue Dragons was not on his radar in high school.

“I never saw myself in Hutchinson, but it’s been nice to be here since I have come to college,” Bundy said.

With Bundy, playing for the Blue Dragons, he says that he gets to still see his family.

“It’s nice being close to home because my family comes down to watch me,”

Bundy is not the only Sunflower State native on this team, as he is joined by two other Kansans. Sophomore Landon Wagler out of Lanexa and freshman Kobe Smith from Wichita are also from Kansas.

With the regular season coming to a close on March 6, in Garden City, the dream is still alive for the Hutch Blue Dragons.

“We are trying to finish strong these last five games of the regular season.” Bundy said, “We hope to get into the playoffs, and eventually win the Region 6 title before going to the National Championship.”

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