The Junction City Blue Jays took down Derby 52-37 Thursday afternoon in the opening round of the 52nd Annual McPherson Invitation Basketball Tournament.

Junction City was led in scoring by Tyrone Poole who finished with 15 points.

Defense proved to be the key in the game with Junction City being held scoreless in the 3rd quarter but only allowing Derby to score four points. A big second quarter also helped the Blue Jays when they outscored Derby 18-7.

The Blue Jays will now face Lawrence Free State in the winner’s bracket semifinal round of the tournament at 6:30 p.m. Friday. You can hear the game on KJCK AM, the Talk of JC.

Lawrence Free State defeated Wichita North in a first round game 58-45.

In other first round action at the tournament Wichita-Bishop Carroll defeated Blue Valley West 55-42.