JUCO Playoffs: Gonner Niakate Star
SALINA, Kan. -- Hutchinson C.C. got 21 points from sophomore swingman Dainmon Gonner and 15 from sophomore guard Modibo Niakate to claim a 70-56 victory over Cowley County on Sunday evening at the Region VI quarters.
Gonner was instrumental in helping the Blue Dragons pull away from the stubborn Tigers in the second half. His steal and three point play with 2:20 remaining in the contest gave Hutch a 64-50 lead and basically clinched the contest for the Blue Dragons.
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Cowley trailed by seven points at the half but came out strong in the second half, cutting the Hutch lead to 34-33 with an 8-2 run out of the gate.
The Blue Dragons responded with a quick 15-5 run, capped by a Coco Cofield jumper, to take a 49-38 lead with 8:30 to play. Gonner's three point play minutes later was the dagger that put away the Tigers for good.
Sharp-shooting freshman guard Raymond Anthony connected on four of eight three pointers to lead Cowley with 14 points. Forward Amani Daanish added 10 points and six rebounds, while guard Seth Elliott contributed 11 in defeat.
In addition to fine performances by Niakate and Dainmon Gonner, freshman swingman Josh Gonner registered 11 points and sophomore forward Reggie Golson collected 10 points, six rebounds and three assists for the Blue Dragons.
Hutchinson will face Seward County on Tuesday in the Region VI semis for the right to advance to Wednesday's championship game.