By Anthony Gorges
Tuesday night was the opening night of sub-state semifinal basketball, and the six-seed Junction City Blue Jays hosted the 11-seed Manhattan High Indians in Junction City.
The Manhattan High Indians snagged an early 5-1 lead over the Blue Jays as both teams struggled on the offensive end in the first quarter. Junction City's shots began to fall, and JC led 10-9 after the first quarter.
The second quarter featured more points and better offense from both sides, but the Blue Jays led by eight, 27-19, at halftime.
In the second half, the Indians never could get within six points, as every time Manhattan scored, the Blue Jays had a response. To end the third quarter, Junction City senior Jackson Austin was fouled on a half-court heave. Austin made all three free throws, and JC led 41-29.
In the fourth quarter, Junction City pulled away and led by as many as 17 points. The Blue Jays held on and won 59-45 to beat Manhattan for the third time this season.
Junction City was led in scoring by senior Larkin Turner, who scored a career-high 28 points in his last home game.
For Manhattan, the Indians were led in scoring by senior Landon Knopp with 11 points.
The Indians end their season with a 6-15 record. For Junction City, the Blue Jays will play three-seed Washburn Rural in Topeka on Friday night. The winner of the sub-state final will advance to the 6A State tournament in Wichita.