Junction City Blue Jay and Lady Jay basketball teams open their seasons Friday night at Salina Central.

Pat Battle, Blue Jay boys coach, plans to run an up-tempo style of play. He noted it’s been a few years since the Blue Jays have done that. “I’m looking forward to seeing how well this edition is able to play in transition, to play fast, and get out and press and run.

Junction City returns two-year starter Tanner Lueker at one of the guard spots from a 6-15 team one year ago.  Salina Central went 13-10 last season, and reached the first round of the Class 5A State Tournament.

The Mustangs’ 6’4 senior Jordan McNelly, averaged 15.7 ppg last sason.

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In the girls matchup Nate Park will lean heavily early in the season on returning starters Kealee Rains and A’kia Fain for scoring punch. The Lady Jays do not currently have a senior on the roster but both Fain and Rains have played extensively the past two years.

Junction City will be trying to improve on a 4-17 season in 2013-14, while Salina Central, will reorganize for another good season after a 23-2 campaign a year ago.

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Both games can be heard on the Talk of JC, KJCK AM, beginning at 6 p.m. Friday.