By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Washburn Rural's girls opened defense of their Centennial League championship with a 58-31 road win over Junction City Tuesday night.
Washburn Rural senior Zoe Canfield (15) tied for game-high scoring honors with 17 points in Tuesday's 58-31 win at Junction City. [File photo/TSN]
Freshman Maddie Vickery (right) scored 17 points in Tuesday's 58-31 Centennial League win over Junction City. [File photo/TSN]
The Junior Blues put the game away in the first half, with Rural's starters taking a seat in the second half as coach Kevin Bordewick emptied his bench.
Senior Zoe Canfield and freshman Maddie Vickery scored 17 points apiece to lead the Junior Blues, who improved to 5-1 on the season.
Kate Hinck added nine points and Ella Hirschi seven for the Junior Blues, who are ranked No. 6 in Class 6A by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association.
Washburn Rural will travel to Hayden Friday night for a Centennial League game.
The Wildcats suffered their first loss Tuesday night, dropping a 54-40 decision to Emporia.
JUNCTION CITY BOYS 51, WASHBURN RURAL 48
Washburn Rural, which is still looking for its first win of the season, took undefeated Junction City down to the wire Tuesday night before the Blue Jays held on for a 51-48 home Centennial League victory.
Junction City, ranked No. 6 in Class 6A by the KBCA, led by just two points with 4.8 seconds remaining before the Blue Jays hit a late free throw to account for the final margin.
Junior Kaden Ballard led the Junior Blues with 15 points.
Junction City improved to 7-0 overall and 1-0 in the league while Washburn Rural fell to 0-6, 0-1.
Washburn Rural will be on the road again Friday night, traveling to Hayden for a Centennial League matchup.
The Wildcats are coming off a 58-42 league loss to Emporia Tuesday night.
