The Manhattan High girls took a big step toward another league title with a 39-36 win at Washburn Rural on Friday.
Both MHS and Washburn Rural entered the night tied at 6-2 in the Centennial League, and the two teams were dead even after one quarter at 10-10 as well. The Indians then steadily built a lead in the second and third quarters and held off a late Rural rally to get the win. Caroline Ballard blocked a potential game-tying three-pointer at the buzzer.
Kylie James led all Indians with 11 points and Gigi McAtee added 10 as well in the win.
The MHS boys survived a mild scare from the Junior Blues in a 61-54 win that was a far cry from the 72-40 win the Indians picked up over Rural in January.
Rural actually led by five late in the second quarter before Manhattan’s Garrett Francis hit a three-pointer heading into halftime to cut the lead to 31-29. The Indians eventually pushed their lead to 11 in the second half on their way to a win.
Manhattan had nine three-point makes in the game, including three a piece from Garrett Francis and Trevor Hudgins. Gabe Awbrey led all scorers with 19 points in the win, and Pierson McAtee added 14 as well.
Both the boys and girls are tied for the Centennial League lead heading into a home game against Topeka High on Tuesday.
