Manhattan High girls’ basketball returned from the holiday break Tuesday night with a road test at Hays, falling 58–45 in a matchup of state contenders.
The game opened at a low-scoring pace as both teams worked through early possessions, with Manhattan looking to find rhythm offensively. Hays was able to build a cushion as the game progressed, and while the Indians mounted pushes in the second half, the hosts remained in control late.
Junior forward Jelena Depusoir led Manhattan with 12 points, all coming on finishes around the basket. Kat Ball followed with 9 points, while Bailey Busch added 8. Delaney Larson scored 6, Avery Ingram finished with 5, Jorryn Hall had 4, and Evie Banks chipped in 2.
Hays’ standout Jenna Schmeidler delivered another strong performance, scoring 24 points with an even 12 in each half. The future Division I prospect provided steady offense as Hays maintained separation.
The loss dropped Manhattan to 5–2 on the season and marked the second time Hays has handed the Indians a defeat this winter, following a 61–53 result in the Hays City Shootout championship game.
Manhattan entered the week ranked No. 8 in Class 6A by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association. The Indians now look ahead to Centennial League play at Topeka High on Friday as they settle back into the rhythm of the season.
HAYS 58,
MANHATTAN 45
Manhattan scoring — Depusoir 12, Ball 9, Busch 8, Larson 6, Ingram 5, Jorryn Hall 4, Banks 2