For the first time since 1951, the Hugoton boys basketball team is in the state basketball tournament. Hugoton rallied from a 14 point third quarter deficit to defeat defending state champ Holcomb 59-51 in Goodland Saturday night. The Eagles are 21-1 with their only loss coming to Scott City one day after playing Holcomb.
HHS Athletic Director CJ Korf stepped in to coach the Eagles this season after they went 16-6 last season. Korf has college playing experience at Bethany.
The Eagles are led by junior Zack Leininger (13ppg, 9 rpg). Seniors Parker Titus (13ppg, 4rpg), Wade Hager (9ppg), and Manny Mendez (4ppg, 3apg), and junior Colby Korf (8ppg, 4 apg) round out the starting lineup. Junior 6’9" Tony Kinser provides imposing size off the bench. Seniors Tyler Goode, Alex Gonzales, and Garrett Hamlin provide punch off the bench.
The Eagles beat Colby 65-47 and Holcomb 59-51 in their sub state games at Goodland. The Eagles play 10-12 Anderson County Thursday at 6:30 at Emporia’s White Auditorium. Click on the audio icon to hear the Hugoton boys interviews.
