The Junction City Blue Jays and Lady Jays both dropped their season openers at Salina Central
Friday night.

In the boys game the Blue Jays struggled to stop  Central post player Jordan McNelly inside, and the Mustang’s Brayden Neuschafer keyed a third-quarter run with a trio of three-point baskets to push Salina Central past Junction City 82-72.

McNelly poured in 25 points to lead the Mustangs in scoring. Still, the Mustangs led by only six points at halftime, but led by the shooting of Neuschafer Salina Central upped that margin at one point in the second half to 19 points.

Neuschafer finished with 18 points, and teammate Rashun Allen also scored 15.

T. J. Poole led the Blue Jays with 19 points.

—

In the girls game four Salina Central defeated Junction City 63-48. Four Salina Central players scored in double figures. Emma Cain came off the bench to score 15 points. She was followed by Bailey Driver with 14 points, followed by Keisha Hamilton with 11, and Marysa Bradshaw with 10.

Junction City got 14 points from Kealee Rains, but turnovers and foul problems plagued the Lady Jays.

—

Junction City boys and girls basketball teams host Dodge City Saturday afternoon at the Shenk Gym.  The girls varsity game is scheduled at 2 p.m. and the boys contest at 3:45.

Both games can be heard on the Talk of JC, KJCK AM.