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Wildcat boys drop 76-56 Centennial League decision to Junction City
By JUSTIN BURKHARDT
TopSports.news
Hayden boys basketball fell at home to Junction City, 76–56, in a Centennial League game Friday night as the Blue Jays set the tone early and never let the Wildcats gain sustained momentum.
Senior Kade Mitchell (2) led Hayden with 14 points in Friday's 76-56 loss to Junction City. [File photo/TSN]
Junction City came out aggressive from the opening tip, knocking down shots from the perimeter and pushing the pace to build a 27-11 advantage by the end of the first quarter.
The early run energized the Blue Jays and forced Hayden to play from behind for most of the night.
The Wildcats responded in the second quarter with improved ball movement and better defensive effort, cutting into the deficit with a more controlled offensive approach.
Kade Mitchell provided a steady presence for Hayden, attacking the basket and finishing the half as the team’s leading scorer. Mason Becker also gave Hayden a lift from the outside, connecting on two 3-pointers as the Wildcats tried to stay within striking distance heading into halftime.
Any momentum Hayden gained was quickly halted after the break.
Junction City opened the third quarter with another strong surge, outscoring Hayden 26-15 during the period.
The Blue Jays consistently found open shooters, finishing the night with 10 3-pointers, and used their depth to keep fresh legs on the floor.
Lavell Autry led the way for Junction City, scoring a game-high 20 points while setting the tone on both ends of the court.
Despite the growing margin, Hayden continued to compete and showed flashes of solid execution late in the game.
Mitchell finished with 14 points to lead the Wildcats.
Washburn women to close out road swing at Central Missouri
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Senior Yibari Nwidadah leads 15-6 Washburn in scoring, rebounding and field goal percentage entering Saturday's game at Central Missouri. [File photo/TSN] No. 1-ranked Washburn men face road test at Central Missouri
By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Brett Ballard's No. 1-ranked Washburn Ichabods will put their 22-game winning streak on the line Saturday at Central Missouri. [File photo/TSN]Washburn is 22-0 overall and 12-0 in the MIAA this season, -one of two remaining undefeated teams in NCAA Division II along with Cal State East Bay after topping Nebraska-Kearney 89-67 last Saturday in Kearney.
The Mules are 17-7 this season and 8-4 in the MIAA and have won their last two games, including a 61-49 win at Fort Hays State last Saturday.
Washburn won the first meeting with the Mules 78-72 in double overtime on Dec. 13 in Lee Arena.
The Ichabods have the No. 1-ranked scoring offense in the MIAA, putting up 88.8 points per game.
Defensively, the Ichabods have the No. 2-ranked scoring defense in the MIAA, allowing 62.5 points per game.
The Ichabods are second in NCAA Division II in scoring margin at plus 27.9 points per game and are ranked second in field goal percentage at 51.7 percent and second in rebound margin at plus 11.5.
Washburn has not been out-rebounded in a game this season and has only been tied twice (Lubbock Christian and Emporia State).
Sophomore Dillon Claussen is ninth in the nation in field goal percentage at 63.2 percent and junior Jeremiah Jones leads the nation in total steals with 73 and is ranked third in steals per game at 3.32 per contest.
The Ichabods' 22-game winning streak is the longest in the nation, ahead of Cal St. East Bay's 20-game winning streak.
