By Anthony Gorges
JC Post
After being on the road for nearly a month, the Blue Jays and Lady Jays returned home to the Blue Jay Event Center on Tuesday night, hosting Topeka Hayden.
Girls Recap – Topeka Hayden 76, Junction City 16
The Topeka Hayden Lady Wildcats rolled over the Lady Jays on Tuesday night and set a new record in the process. Hayden made a record-best 19 three-point shots in the game, the most in a single game in Kansas high school basketball history. Hayden led 59-9 at the half, and the entire second half was played with a running clock, as they secured the 76-16 win.
Boys Recap – Junction City 63, Topeka Hayden 49
Junction City routed Topeka Hayden in the first meeting back on February 6, and the Blue Jays once again pulled away to complete the season sweep over the Hayden Wildcats.
In the first quarter, it was back and forth, with the two teams trading buckets early on. JC led 11-9 after one.
The second quarter is where the Blue Jays found their groove. Junction City started the quarter on a 9-1 run and led 20-10, forcing a timeout by the Wildcats. The Blue Jays continued scoring with junior Brody Boeckman and senior Jett Thompson, as they combined for 15 of the team’s 25 first-half points. Junction City led 25-15 at the break.
In the third quarter, senior Lovell Autry came to life for Junction City, knocking down a three-pointer and also getting to the rim. JC led 43-29 after three quarters.
In fourth-quarter action, JCHS stretched the lead to 25 points after junior Khaliel Walker hit a three-point shot from the top of the arc. Junction City led 56-31 and then emptied the bench for the second consecutive game. Hayden hit some shots down the stretch, but the Blue Jays won by 14, with a final score of 63-49.
Four players scored in double digits for Junction City. Lovell Autry led the way with 16 points, Khaliel Walker and Brody Boeckman added 12 each, and Jett Thompson scored 11.
*Our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game, brought to you by Blu Restaurant in Junction City, was Khaliel Walker. He now receives a $20 free meal voucher from Blu Restaurant in Junction City, located at 602 N. Washington St.
The Blue Jays advance to 12-9 on the season and will host Emporia High School on Friday for Senior Night.