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Hayden's fearless defense the difference in 51-48 win over Manhattan

By ISAAC DEER

TopSports.news

Defense and physicality reigned supreme in a low-scoring battle in which Hayden held off a pesky Manhattan team, 51-48.

There was no clear runaway favorite between Manhattan and Hayden in Topeka on Friday evening.

Hayden junior Jacob Padilla came up big at the free throw line as the Wildcats edged Manhattan Friday night, 51-48. [File photo/TSN]

In the four-quarter contest, the most significant lead of the game was a 6-point advantage by Hayden in the second half.

The game came down to Hayden guard Jacob Padilla's free throws, in which he nailed five of six free opportunities.

"Jacob has shot it well all year," Hayden coach Dwayne Paul said. "You can go back and see – it doesn't matter which game it was, (Padilla's) been like that. (Padilla's) a gamer. Jacob likes the moment. There wasn't anyone I'd rather have on the line. I know (Padilla) wanted the moment. I didn't hesitate when (Padilla) went to hit the free throws."

Rural girls win battle of state-ranked teams with 45-39 OT win over Emporia

By KYLE MANTHE

Special to TopSports.news

For the second straight game, the No. 4-ranked (Class 6A) Washburn Rural girls (10-4, 5-0) played more than the usual 32-minute game.

Senior Brooklyn DeLeye led Washburn Rural with 18 points in the Junior Blues' 45-39 overtime Centennial League win over Emporia Friday night. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

But unlike their Tuesday night overtime loss to Blue Valley Northwest, the Junior Blues were able to come out on the winning end Friday night, knocking off 5A No. 4 Emporia (12-3, 3-2) by a 45-39 margin in the extra session.

“I thought tonight we were a little tougher, we had ebbs and flows but we fought through the ebbs more and a little better than what we did on Tuesday,” said Washburn Rural coach Kevin Bordewick.

The win gave the Lady Blues a leg up in Centennial League play, as they remain undefeated and create two games of separation from the rest of the league.

“It’s big for the league standings, they are well coached, quick, they can shoot it and they’ve got a great post player, Bordewick said. “I just thought it was a solid effort all around.”