By Anthony Gorges
JC Post
Girls recap
Despite playing in class 4A, the Topeka Hayden Lady Wildcats are a top team in the state of Kansas. The Lady Wildcats beat the Junction City Lady Jays 76-23 Tuesday night in Topeka.
Hayden held Junction City scoreless in the first quarter and led 25-0 at the end of one. The Lady Wildcats extended their lead before the half, but in the second quarter, the Lady Jays got on the board, knocking in three three-pointers. Hayden led at the half 41-9.
In the third quarter, both teams caught fire shooting the ball, but Hayden just continued growing their lead to 69-20 at the end of three. In the fourth quarter, it was a running clock, and the Lady Wildcats won the game 76-23.
Following the game, Hayden celebrated being the Centennial League champions with a 9-1 record in league play. The Lady Wildcats are 17-2 on the season.
Junction City falls to 1-18 with the loss and has their regular season finale on Friday night at Emporia High.
Boys recap
The Junction City Blue Jays entered Tuesday’s game with a two-game winning streak, their first multi-game winning streak in over a month.
The game started out with both teams turning the ball over and struggling to set in their half-court offense. Junction City sophomore Brody Boeckman caught an out-of-bounds lob pass and scored to end the first quarter, and the Blue Jays led 12-11.
The second quarter was similar to the first, with both teams playing well defensively. Junction City led 26-25 at the half.
In the third quarter, the offense picked up, and Hayden jumped ahead after three, leading 51-46.
Despite many opportunities and cutting the lead to two points early in the fourth, JC never could regain the lead and lost 75-63.
Topeka Hayden secured the season sweep over the Blue Jays.
Junction City was led in scoring by senior Ja’Twaan Williams with 15 points, junior Lovell Autry had 13 points, and senior Jackson Austin added 10.
With the loss, the Blue Jays fall to 12-7 on the year and 5-4 in league play.
Junction City will play at Emporia on Friday night to wrap up their regular season.