The Manhattan Indians pulled away down the stretch in an 84-61 boys basketball victory over Junction City.

The Indians led by just two point at halftime, but with their superior height and strong offensive rebounding, plus a balanced scoring attack they pulled away down the stretch to defeat the Blue Jays in the Manhattan gym.

Blue Jay coach Pat Battle noted the Indians have a number of 6’4, 6’5 kids. “Give them credit. They win. They do what you need to do against us sometimes. You throw it up there and you go get it. ” Battle added, “They shot the basketball, went and got it, and got it again and again.”

Junction City got a standout shooting performance from senior Josh Bryan. He hit three-point shots, and finished with a game 25 points.

The Blue Jays fell to 1-4 while Manhattan is 4-0.

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In the girls game an undefeated Manhattan team rolled to a 99-53 win over Junction City. The Indians led from start to finish, and wound up with five players scoring in double figures. they included Caroline Ballard with 20 points, Kennedy Wilson 18, Madison Mittie 13, Kylie James 12, and Gigi McAtee 10 points.

Superior height for Manhattan was a factor in the girls game.

The Indians are 4-0 while Junction City fell to 0-5.

Akia Fain scored 18 points for the Lady Jays, while Kealee Rains had 13.