Salina, KS — On Friday, December 20, the Valley Center Hornets delivered an unforgettable performance against the Salina South Cougars, closing out their schedule before the winter break with a thrilling 51-48 comeback victory.
The game opened with the Hornets struggling to keep pace. Salina South came out firing, connecting on 7 of 9 three-pointers in the first half. By the end of the first quarter, the Hornets trailed 19-7, and the deficit grew to 14 points early in the second quarter. Despite this, Valley Center managed to cut into the lead slightly by halftime, entering the locker room down 31-18.
The Hornets emerged from halftime with renewed intensity. Their defense set the tone for the second half, forcing an astonishing 31 turnovers on the night, including 24 steals. A 10-0 run in the third quarter brought Valley Center within five points, fueled by suffocating pressure and quick transitions.
Heading into the fourth quarter, the Cougars’ lead had dwindled to just two points. The Hornets’ defensive prowess continued to shine, and late in the game, Doc Needham delivered a pivotal play. With the score tied, Needham intercepted a pass and drained a clutch three-pointer to give Valley Center their first lead of the night. Late-game free throws by Colby Newton and Bryson Saner sealed the victory as the Hornets completed their remarkable turnaround.
This gritty comeback showcased the Hornets’ resilience and teamwork, as their defensive intensity turned the tide against a hot-shooting Cougars squad. With this victory, Valley Center enters the winter break on a high note, carrying momentum into the next phase of their season.
Hornet Stats:
Doc Needham: 15 points, 6 assists, 6 steals
Austin Saner: 11 points, 2 assists, 2 steals
Colby Newton: 7 points, 4 rebounds, 5 steals, 6 assists, 2 blocks
Corben Burgess: 6 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block
Bryson Saner: 6 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 block
Evan Chavez: 3 points, 1 steal, 1 rebound
RayJ Logan: 5 steals, 2 assists, 2 rebounds
Nash Jamolod: 3 points, 1 rebound