By Anthony Gorges
JC Post
Friday night was homecoming at Junction City High School, so it was a packed house inside Blue Jay Event Center for both boys and girls games.
Boys recap
It was another thrilling rivalry game between the boys teams of Junction City and Manhattan High School.
A back and forth game all the way to the end went the way of the Blue Jays, as Junction City held off Manhattan 56-53.
After being tied at the end of the first quarter, the Blue Jays led the Indians by one point at halftime and at the end of the third quarter. The fourth quarter saw Manhattan take a 49-47 lead with just over two minutes to play, but a clutch three pointer and some late free throws by Jackson Austin propelled the Blue Jays to victory.
Junction City was led in scoring by junior Larkin Turner with 22 points. Sophomore Lovell Autry added 14 points.
For the Indians, senior Asher Newcomer led the team with 18 points, Jason Kim finished the night with 14 points. Kim had a three-point shot at the buzzer to try and force overtime, but the shot missed. With the win Junction City improves to 15-2, while Manhattan falls to 10-7.
Girls recap
The Manhattan Lady Indians jumped out to a quick 21 point lead and then coasted to a big 61-18 win over the Junction City Lady Jays on Friday night.
Manhattan had several contributors on the night, as 10 different players scored at least a point.
For the Lady Jays, senior Sara Rexrode once again led the team in scoring with seven points.
Manhattan improves to 10-7 on the season, and Junction City falls to 1-16.
Up next for Manhattan is a home matchup against Emporia on Tuesday. As for Junction City, it is another home game as the Blue Jays host Topeka Hayden on Tuesday night.