Preview: Coffeyville at Hutchinson Men’s Basketball

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (Interstat) — A surging Coffeyville team visits a Hutchinson squad seeking consistency in a key early-January Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference men’s basketball matchup Wednesday night.

The Coffeyville Ravens (9-3) enter on a three-game winning streak, most recently defeating State Fair 84-73 at home Saturday. The Hutchinson Blue Dragons (7-6) look to rebound from a 79-89 road loss at Colby the same day.

The game features two of the league’s most dynamic scorers. Coffeyville’s Ke’Bari Lewis has been efficient and explosive, averaging 18.7 points over his last three games despite playing just 20 minutes per contest. He scored 24 points in 19 minutes against State Fair.

Hutchinson will counter with Kyrell Shaw, who is coming off a 32-point, five-rebound performance at Colby. Shaw has been a workhorse, averaging 26.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.7 assists over his last three outings, including a near triple-double of 20 points, nine rebounds and 11 assists in a win at Dodge City on Dec. 10.

Coffeyville’s recent success has been bolstered by balance. In the win over State Fair, Rashid Kuta posted a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Jack Sorrell contributed seven points, five assists and two blocks.

Hutchinson’s Daleron Thomas has provided strong support, scoring 20 points in the loss to Colby.

The Ravens have found their rhythm after a two-game skid in early December, winning their last three by an average of 11.3 points. The Blue Dragons’ season has been marked by streaks, alternating between wins and losses in their last six games.

Historically, games between these programs are hard-fought battles. Wednesday’s contest will be the only scheduled regular-season meeting, adding importance to the conference standings.

After this game, Coffeyville travels to Pratt on Saturday. Hutchinson’s next game is at Pratt on Jan. 14.

Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.