Manhattan High girls’ basketball wasted little time Thursday night at the Mid America Classic, jumping out to an early lead and never looking back in a 54-30 win over Shawnee Mission East at the Roundhouse.
The Indians raced out to a 27-2 advantage before the Lancers could settle in, turning early defensive pressure into points on the other end. Manhattan took a 28-9 lead into halftime, with the outcome largely decided by the break.
Sophomore Evie Banks led Manhattan with 14 points, while senior Kat Ball added 12 with three triples. Avery Ingram chipped in 8, and Jorryn Hall scored 6 as Manhattan placed nine scorers on the stat sheet.
Manhattan’s defense dictated the tone throughout, holding Shawnee Mission East to 26.1% shooting and forcing 26 turnovers, including 18 steals. The Indians also controlled the glass with a 39-36 rebounding edge, including 15 offensive boards, while receiving 28 points from the bench.
The Indians set the tone early, opening the game on a decisive run. Shawnee Mission East was held scoreless in the first quarter trailing 15-0. Manhattan continued to build separation in the second quarter, extending the margin to 28-9 by halftime.
The pace slowed after the break, but Manhattan remained in control on both ends. The Indians matched Shawnee Mission East basket for basket in the second half, scoring 13 points in each of the final three quarters to maintain the cushion and close out the tournament opener.
Manhattan shot 31.7% from the field and 30.4% from three, while converting 9-of-12 free throws. Shawnee Mission East finished 12-of-46 overall and 4-of-20 from beyond the arc.
The Indians will play the winner of Andover Central and McPherson on Friday at 7:45 p.m.
MANHATTAN 54,
SM EAST 30
Manhattan — 15; 13; 13; 13 — 54
SM East — 0; 9; 11; 10 — 30
INDIVIDUAL SCORING
Manhattan — Banks 14, Ball 12, Ingram 8, Jorryn Hall 6, Larson 4, Becket 3, Henry 3, Depusoir 2, Busch 2
SM East — Kessler 9, Stanfield 8, Reiser 8, Rose 3, Kroening 2