The Junction City Blue Jays trailed Shawnee Heights by 15 late in the second quarter but cut the deficit to nine at halftime with a pair of three point baskets. Then in the second half the Blue Jays narrowed the deficit to one point.

They were unable to take the lead however, and fell to the Thunderbirds 55-49 at the Shenk Gym on Senior Night.

The Thunderbirds hit 19 of 23 free throws in the ballgame and had three players in double figures include Jovan Barksdale with 23 points, Braeson Sester 15, and Tevin Downing 13 points. The Blue Jays were led by Jonathan Wilds with 13 points and Tanner Lueker with 11.

Junction City coach Pat Battle said his team had a great defensive game. “I thought we did a great job defensively throughout the entire basketball game. ” Battle also credited the Thunderbirds for hitting their free throws down the stretch. ( 12 of 14 in the fourth quarter ).

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Shawnee Heights overpowered Junction City in the girls varsity game 61-42 at the Shenk Gym. In the fourth quarter Shawnee Heights hit 14 of 18 points to pull away down the stretch. They were led in scoring by Jazz Sweet and Laraisha Owens, both with 11 points.

For Junction City Kori Kamm turned in a solid game with 20 points.

The Lady Jays fell to 5-15 while Shawnee Heights is 10-10.

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Substate basketball pairings come out on Saturday.