Feb 05, 2022

Blue Jays lose a late lead and the ballgame

Posted Feb 05, 2022 5:01 AM

Manhattan ( 4-10 ) rallied from a late four-point deficit and Jack Wilson hit two free throws with 1.5 seconds remaining to defeat the Junction City Blue Jays ( 10-4 ) 43-41 Friday night at MHS.

The Blue Jays led by four points with just over one minute to play and but failed to score on two possessions and Manhattan came back to tie the game before Wilson hit the game winning throws. Junction City had one final possession of the basketball but could not score. 

Howard Johnson led Junction City with 20 points in the loss while Trey Holloway led the Indians with 10 and Jack Wilson finished 9 points.

The Blue Jays and Indians split their regular season series.

The ending of the ballgame was disappointing for the radio broadcasters. A key power cord providing electricity to the press table became unplugged, knocking out power for the broadcaster's equipment during the hectic finish of the ballgame. 

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In the girls contest Manhattan defeated Junction City 49-28. Junction City committed a substantial number of turnovers. 

Coach Tim Testa said the Lady Jays turned the ball over too many times. " I told the girls in the locker room I think we are playing harder than we have in the past. " The  coach added that there has been an emphasis on roles, playing harder and doing the small simple things.

Ava DeGuzman and Jayda Nabus led the Lady Jays with eight points apiece while Avery Larson scored the first 13 points of the game for Manhattan and went to score 20 in  the ballgame. Maxine Doering also scored 14 points for Manhattan.