The Manhattan High boys basketball team overcame a final-minute deficit to beat Washburn Rural Friday night, 47-45, and clinch the Indians’ first trip to the 6A state tournament since 2008.
Trevor Hudgins hit two free throws to give MHS a one-point lead with 12.5 seconds left after the Junior Blues had led for most of the game. A defensive stand and a free throw by Ian Trapp made it a two-point game, and Rural’s shot to tie at the buzzer missed.
MHS (17-4) beat rival Junction City in the first round of Sub State on Wednesday, its third win this season over the Blue Jays. The Indians clinched a third straight Centennial League title last week.
The state tournament is next week at Koch Arena in Wichita, with the bracket still to be determined.
The MHS girls basketball team has a chance to join the boys at state. The Lady Indians host Lawrence Free State at 6 p.m. Saturday looking to earn their own Sub State championship.
