Photos by Lewis Marien – Mercury Staff Photographer – Article by Toby Hammes

Manhattan High’s Sam Spiegel shoots over Junction City defender Larkin Turner during the Indians’ 66-62 overtime loss to the Blue Jays Tuesday night in Manhattan.
Staff photo by Lewis Marien

Manhattan High boys’ basketball hosted undefeated Junction City in another classic between the two rivals but ultimately fell 66-62 in overtime on Tuesday night.

The Blue Jays (6-0) entered the contest as favorites on paper with the Indians (2-5) carrying a below .500 record. Still, a packed MHS gym was treated to a classic before Junction City pulled away in overtime.

“We just have to look at tonight as some proof that we are making progress,” head coach Benji George said. “We have what it takes to be a good basketball team. Even if the result didn’t give us what we wanted, we’re taking steps forward.”

To view the full article visit theMercury.com.

Click here for more high school sports.

Manhattan High head boys’ basketball coach Benji George speaks to his team during a timeout of a game against Junction City, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, in Manhattan. The Indians lost to the Blue Jays in overtime, 66-62. Staff photo by Lewis Marien
Manhattan High’s Landon Knopp lines up a 3-pointer during the Indians’ 66-62 overtime loss to Junction City, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, in Manhattan. Staff photo by Lewis Marien
Manhattan High’s Henry Witt looks to advance the ball while guarded by Junction City’s Jackson Austin during their game Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, in Manhattan. The Blue Jays beat the Indians in overtime, 66-62. Staff photo by Lewis Marien
Junction City head boys’ basketball coach Nick Perez directs his team during the Blue Jays’ 66-62 overtime win against Manhattan High, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, in Manhattan. Staff photo by Lewis Marien
Junction City’s Lovell Autry drives through the Manhattan High defense for a layup during the Blue Jays’ 66-62 overtime win against the Indians, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, in Manhattan. Staff photo by Lewis Marien
Manhattan High’s Tim Washington waits for a teammate to shoot free throws during a game against Junction City, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, in Manhattan. The Indians lost to the Blue Jays in overtime, 66-62. Staff photo by Lewis Marien
Manhattan High’s Noah McFadden guards Junction City’s Jeremias Cruz during their game Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, in Manhattan. The Blue Jays beat the Indians in overtime, 66-62. Staff photo by Lewis Marien
Manhattan High’s Sam Spiegel shoots over Junction City defender Larkin Turner during the Indians’ 66-62 overtime loss to the Blue Jays Tuesday night in Manhattan. Staff photo by Lewis Marien
Manhattan High’s Vince Doering pulls up for a 3-pointer during the Indians’ 66-62 overtime loss to Junction City, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, in Manhattan. Staff photo by Lewis Marien

Manhattan High boys’ basketball hosted undefeated Junction City in another classic between the two rivals but ultimately fell 66-62 in overtime on Tuesday night.

The Blue Jays (6-0) entered the contest as favorites on paper with the Indians (2-5) carrying a below .500 record. Still, a packed MHS gym was treated to a classic before Junction City pulled away in overtime.

“We just have to look at tonight as some proof that we are making progress,” head coach Benji George said. “We have what it takes to be a good basketball team. Even if the result didn’t give us what we wanted, we’re taking steps forward.”

To view the full article visit theMercury.com.

Click here for more high school sports.

 

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