The Manhattan High girls basketball team wrapped up a grueling four-game road stretch with a statement win Tuesday night, overwhelming rival Junction City 66–31 at The Nest to move to 7–2 overall and 2–0 in Centennial League play.
The victory extended Manhattan’s dominance in the rivalry to 35 straight wins over the Blue Jays.
How it happened
The Indians wasted no time setting the tone, forcing 10 first-quarter turnovers and building an early double-digit lead. Junior Jelena Depusoir was nearly unstoppable in the paint, scoring 17 points in the first half on a steady mix of post moves and drives to the rim.
While Depusoir controlled the interior, Manhattan’s defense tightened even further in the second quarter, forcing nine more Junction City turnovers and creating countless tie-ups and transition chances. By halftime, the Indians had produced nine different scorers and pulled down double-digit rebounds, suffocating the Blue Jays on both ends.
The pace slowed briefly after halftime, with just two baskets midway through the third quarter. Sophomore Evie Banks broke the drought by hitting Manhattan’s first three-pointer of the night and finished with 11 points, her fourth game this season in double figures. Senior Tess Henry added another three as Manhattan kept attacking inside and held steady control throughout the second half.
Depusoir ultimately finished with a career-high 27 points, powering an offense that thrived off defensive pressure. MHS forced 27 turnovers overall and continued to showcase its depth and intensity.
The victory capped a perfect four-game road swing for the Lady Indians, who return home Friday to host Topeka-Hayden at 6 p.m.
MANHATTAN 66
JUNCTION CITY 31
Manhattan — 20; 41; 58; 66 — 66
Junction City — 7; 16; 23; 31 — 31
INDIVIDUAL SCORING
Manhattan — Depusoir 27, Banks 11, Becket 7, Larson 5, Ball 5, Ball 5, Henry 3, Busch 2, Horner 1
Junction City — Pruitt 9, Warmack 7, Henry-Rivers 4, Douglas 5, Nabus 4, Allen 2