The Junction City Blue Jay boys basketball team will compete in the McPherson Invitational Basketball Tournament January 21, 22, and 23.

Junction City, 3-5, will meet Derby, 4-3 in a first round game at 3 p.m. on Thursday the 21st. The other first round pairings include Lawrence Free State, 5-1 vs. Wichita North 3-5;  Blue Valley West, 3-3, against Wichita-Bishop Carroll, 4-4;  and McPherson, 7-1, vs. Shawnee Mission East, 1-7.

If the Blue Jays defeat Derby in their first round matchup they will advance to play the winner of Lawrence Free State – Wichita North. If the Blue Jays lose to Derby they would then play the loser of the Lawrence Free State – Wichita North game in the consolation semifinals.

This is the 52nd year for the McPherson Invitational. The tournament championship game is scheduled at 7 p.m. Saturday, January 23.