The Manhattan High girls used a 20-3 2nd quarter to run past Shawnee Heights 66-43 Friday night on Winter Homecoming at MHS.
Caroline Ballard had 18 points, Darby Price tallied 14 and Molly Fiser added a career high 13 to pace the Indians, who avenged a home loss last season to the Thunderbirds.
Manhattan’s defense bothered the Thunderbirds all night long and forced them into 16 turnovers. Shawnee Heights was held to 19% shooting in the decisive first half.
The Tribe is now 5-1 this season and off to a 3-0 start in the Centennial League.
The MHS boys could never quite get over the hump in a 53-45 loss to the Thunderbirds.
Manhattan battled early foul trouble with leading scorer Payton Stephens picking up his second foul in the first quarter. He would end the first half with just four points and the Indians facing a six point deficit.
Heights scored the first four points of the third quarter to grab their biggest lead at 32-22. Manhattan responded with a 10-0 run to tie the game before the Thunderbirds punched right back with a 15-5 run. They then made their first nine free throws of the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach.
Stephens rallied in the second half to finish with 17 points to lead Manhattan. Gabe Awbrey chipped in nine as well.
Next up the Indians will be on the road at Hayden on Tuesday. Pregame coverage starts at 6:00 online right here at www.1350kman.com.
