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.
In the end, Junction City’s quick start and efficient shooting proved too much to overcome, as the Blue Jays maintained control through the final buzzer.
Hayden will look to regroup Tuesday as it travels to city rival Topeka High Tuesday.
The Trojans, who are coming off a 68-67 win over Washburn Rural, dropped a 51-40 decision at Hayden in the first league meeting between the two schools.
JUNCTION CITY 76, HAYDEN 56
Junction City 27 7 26 16 -- 76
Hayden 11 12 15 18 -- 56
Junction City (9-7 1-3) -- Autry 7-11 3-3 20, Boeckman 7-10 1-2 15, Thompson 3-6 2-2 11, Walker 4-11 1-4 11, Hollie 3-3 1-2 7, Lanier 2-9 0-0 6, White 1-1 0-2 2, Briley 1-2 0-0 2, Hill 1-2 0-0 2, Allen 0-1 0-0 0, Edwards 0-0 0-2 0. Totals 29-56 8-17 76.
Hayden (8-9 1-4) -- Mitchell 5-9 4-6 14, Compton 4-13 2-2 13, Becker 2-6 2-2 8, Hanika 4-5 0-0 8, Kidd 0-3 0-0 0, Wolff 3-5 0-0 6, E.Tourtillot 2-4 1-2 5, McDonald 1-2 0-0 2. Totals 21-47 9-12 56.
3-point goals -- Junction City 10 (Thompson 3, Autry 3, Walker 2, Lanier 2). Hayden 5 (Compton 3, Becker 2). Total Fouls -- Junction City 16, Hayden 16. Fouled out -- none. Technical foul - Hanika.
