The Junction City Blue Jays opened play in the Dodge City, KS Tournament of Champions with a 74-60 win over the Derby Panthers on Thursday. The Blue Jays were led by 28 points from A.J. Dickerson, while Aaron Hamilton had 12.

The Blue Jays will advance to the tournament semifinal round at 7:30 p.m. Friday. They will meet the winner of the Dodge City – Hutchinson game.

In the win over Derby the held off a Panther rally that saw them come from 12 down to lead by one. The  Blue Jays outscored Derby 23–17 in the 4th quarter.