The Junction City Blue Jays jumped out to a nine point first quarter lead over the Hayden Wildcats ( 11-5 ), but couldn’t sustain it. The Wildcats roared back to go ahead by three after the first quarter, and never trailed the rest of the way in basketball Tuesday night in Topeka.

Hayden opened up a 10-point lead but struggled to secure the win. The Blue Jays got back within three points in the closing minutes but couldn’t hit the necessary three point shot to tie, and also missed on some free throws down the stretch.  The Wildcats held on to win 59-56.

Blue Jay coach Pat Battle on the postgame message to his team: ” I told the guys we’re one or two possessions away so what we have to do is in practice on Wednesday and Thursday ratchet it up that one more, two more possessions, dig a little deeper, dig a little deeper.”

Junction City ( 4-11 ) plays at Highland Park Friday night.

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In the girls game Hayden ( 11-3 ) jumped out to a 22-8 first quarter lead and rolled on to a 79-43 victory over the Lady Jays.

Bree Schmidt led Hayden with 20 points, while Alana Kramer had 13 and Kealee Rains 11 for Junction City ( 2-13 ). The Lady Jays play at Highland Park Friday night.