Salina Central blew open a close game in the second half and rolled to a 60-42 boys basketball win over the Junction City Blue Jays at the Shenk Gym.

The Mustangs led the game 26-24 at halftime, but then outscored Junction City 34-18 over the final two quarters. Blue Jay coach Pat Battle said his team missed a lot of chip shots inside, particularly in the third quarter,  when they had an opportunity to take the lead. “That was part of it, and then we got into a mode where we had to go out and chase them. They had good ballhandlers. They did a really good job. You’ve got to give credit to them. They outplayed us in the second half. There’s just no doubt about it.”

Brayden Neuschafter hit 10 of 11 free throws for the game and as a team the Mustangs  hit 15 of 17 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter.

Junction City was led in scoring by Josh Hall with 12 points.

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In the girls varsity game Salina Central took the lead early and never relinquished it enroute to a 64-34 victory over Junction City.

Despite the loss Lady Jay coach Derek Petty thought the Lady Jays played well in spurts. “When we played our game in those spurts we were a better team I honestly believe. They had a pretty big lead on us and we cut it to eight pretty easily playing good defense and making our easy tries at the basket.”

Junction City was led in scoring by Imari Williams and Alana Kramer with six points apiece.

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The Junction City boys and girls basketball teams play at Dodge City Saturday afternoon. The girls game is scheduled at 2:30 p.m. and the boys game at 4 p.m.