Takeaways from Junction City vs Hayden
Junction City poured more fuel on the fire at the top of the Centennial League standings last weekend when they upset leader Washburn Rural. The Blue Jays traveled to Topeka Tuesday for a match with struggling Hayden. Here are some…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingJunction City poured more fuel on the fire at the top of the Centennial League standings last weekend when they upset leader Washburn Rural. The Blue Jays traveled to Topeka Tuesday for a match with struggling Hayden. Here are some takeaways from the surging Blue Jays and the gritty Wildcats:
1) Offense was a grind:
Neither team achieved double-figure scoring in any of the first three periods. Turnovers, some poor shooting, and deliberate pace had scoring at a minimum. After three quarters, the score was 25-25.
2) Junction City’s Howard Johnson came up big:
With just 2 points at halftime, Johnson had been caught up on the offensive slog. But he exploded for 17, including 5 in the :35 second burst that changed the game. The 6-foot sophomore has been on quite a four-game run: 17 vs. McPherson, 16 vs. Topeka High, 20 vs. Washburn Rural, and 19 vs. Hayden
3) Junction City’s Qua’vez Humphrey is versatile and athletic:
Humphreys has been the Blue Jays most consistent performer this season. Though he finished with just 7 points against Hayden, he showed tons of versatility. The 6-foot-3 senior is quick enough to defend guards on the perimeter, rugged enough to take on anyone in the lane, and calmly drilled a three-pointer at the third-quarter buzzer.
4) The Blue Jays get up and down:
Although points were so difficult to come by, the Blue Jays demonstrated some explosiveness. Several opportunities for footraces up the floor showed what Junction City is capable of. With the ultra-athletic Humphrey playing in the post, the Blue Jays usually have five players on the court who can run with the quickest guards.
5) Hayden’s Noah Schneider can exploit the middle:
With Junction City pressuring three-quarters court, and with Humphreys as the biggest man on their defense, the lane was open for the 6-foot-4 Schneider to make moves in the post. He carried Hayden in the first period with 6 points. Though he finished with just 10, he was the top option for the Wildcats.