Manhattan used strong defense and took advantage of Junction City turnovers enroute to a pair of wins over the Junction City Blue Jays ( 2-3 )  and Lady Jays ( 1-4 ) in basketball Friday night.

In the boys contest, the Indians ( 3-1 ) prevailed 57-30. Tommy Ekart and Trevor Hudgins produced multiple steals that were converted into points by the Indians on the offensive end as they jumped out to a 20-6 lead after one quarter. The Indians never trailed after that point in the game.

Blue Jay coach Nate Schmitt credited Manhattan. “They’re a very good basketball team, and very well coached. ” On Ekart and Hudgins, Schmitt noted that they’re good basketball players.  Schmitt added it makes it difficult when you continue to turn the ball over on the offensive end. “Our turnovers weren’t just turnovers, they were turnovers for runouts on the other end for layups.”

The next game for the Blue Jays will be January third when they host Topeka West.

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In the girls game Manhattan dominated from start to finish, taking advantage of  Junction City turnovers.

Manhattan led 17-4 after one quarter as they improved to 4-0 on the season. Junction City fell to 1-4.

Lady Jay coach Derek Petty said his team had 26 turnovers but only caused 13. “We didn’t execute as well as we should have. I’ll give some credit to them on that, but we’ve just got to execute what we do and not turn the ball over so much, make better passes and better decisions.”

Ally McGuire led Junction City with 10 points.

The Lady Jays host Topeka West on January third.