Sumner Academy outdueled the Junction City Lady Jays ( 2-9 ) 78-63 in the first round of the 2018 Firebird Winter Classic Thursday in Lawrence.

The Sabres cleaned up on the offensive boards enroute to the win. Lady Jay coach Derek Petty felt his team should have defeated Sumner. “We don’t want to get after basketballs. We give up offensive rebounds off the free throws they’re shooting, offensive rebounds on their misses.”

Junction City led by 6 points in the second quarter 24-18 but by halftime trailed by a score of 37-31.  The Lady Jays also battled foul problems in the ballgame.

Junction City will meet Olathe West in a consolation semifinal game in the tournament at 4:45 p.m. Friday. Olathe West fell to Washburn Rural in a first round game 56-29.