By Anthony Gorges
JC Post
The Junction City Blue Jays beat the Dodge City Red Demons on Wednesday night at the Blue Jay Event Center at Junction City High School. The Blue Jays now advance to the substate championship game on Saturday.
Game recap Junction City 70, Dodge City 56
Dodge City won the opening tip and drilled a three-pointer to begin the game and take an early 3-0 lead. Junction City junior Khaliel Walker answered with a three-pointer on the other end, and the Blue Jays successful shooting night began. The teams played a high level first quarter, and Junction City led 15-12 after the first period.
In the second quarter, Junction City began the quarter with another three from Walker, and then a basket by senior Jackson Hollie gave JCHS a 20-15 lead. The Red Demons of Dodge City battled back with Ty Scheck and Nathan Schulte keeping them in the game. Junction City led 27-25 at halftime.
Third quarter action is when the Junction City Blue Jays locked in and showed their full potential. The Blue Jays turned defense into offense, with several transition layups, and three different players getting a chance for the traditional three-point play. Junction City's Lovell Autry forced three straight steals that turned into layups and eight straight points for the senior in his last ever home game. The Blue Jays outscored Dodge City 25-8 in the quarter, and JCHS led 52-33 at the end of the third quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Junction City cruised to victory, and won the game 70-56. For Junction City, the Blue Jays had five players in double digits. They were: Lovell Autry (19 points), Brody Boeckman (14 points), Khaliel Walker (13 points), Jackson Hollie (12 points), and Jet Thompson with 10 points.
The Blue Jays advance to the substate championship game on Saturday at Derby High School. Tip-off will be at 5:00 p.m. You can hear the game on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio.