It was a good night to be a Tribe hoops fan Friday at Highland Park with MHS getting the clean sweep over the Scots in key Centennial League match ups.
The MHS girls struggled offensively in the first half shooting 33% from the field but still led 20-16 at the break. The Indians would outscore the Lady Scots 37-14 in the second half to turn a tight game into a 57-28 blowout.
Manhattan’s (6-2, 3-2) defense was rock solid, forcing 28 Highland Park (3-5, 1-4) turnovers and keeping the Lady Scots to just 32% from the field. Manhattan was led in scoring by Caroline Ballard with 13 points, Gigi McAtee chipped in with 10 points.
The MHS boys found themselves down 9-2 early in the first quarter to Highland Park, but would use tough defense and clutch baskets late to pull off their first win at Highland Park since 2008, 46-36.
The Tribe forced Highland Park (5-4, 3-2) to shoot jump shots all night long and the Scots could not buy a bucket, finishing 3-22 from behind the arc. Manhattan (7-1, 4-1) didn’t fair much better offensively shooting 38% from the field, including 3-15 from three. The Indians were led in scoring by Pierson McAtee with 12 points, Gabe Awbrey finished with 10 points.
The Manhattan High girls will be on the road at Great Bend next Tuesday night. The boys will get ready for Mill Valley at the McPherson Mid Season Tournament starting next Thursday.
