Junction City Blue Jay senior A. J. Dickerson knew about how long it had been since a JCHS boys basketball team defeated the Manhattan Indians…19 games and more than 3,000 days. That stretch came to an end Tuesday night when the Blue Jays defeated the Indians at MHS 53-37.

Defense was crucial for Junction City ( 9-6 )  in the game. The Blue Jays held Manhattan ( 8-8 ) to just four points in the third quarter and 12 total in the second half.

Dickerson said he and his teammates had to come out and end it right there. “Leave it all on the floor, we’re all seniors, so it was important for us to get it for them.” Dickerson added defense wins games, and is something coach Nick Perez preaches all the time to the Blue Jays.

Perez said he felt good for the kids. “This is all about the kids. When you get into coaching, when you get into education it’s about the kids. I’m just really proud of them and the way they fought. From the look in their eyes at the beginning I knew they came to play, and when we come to play we’re really good.”

Qua’vez Humphreys led Junction City with 15 points while Dickerson had 14 for Junction City. The Blue Jays host Highland Park Friday night.

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Manhattan jumped out to an early lead in the girls varsity game and defeated the Lady Jays 64-20.