Basketball Recap: John Hoytal Leads a Balanced Attack to Beat Junction City

Washburn Rural's game last Saturday was a loss, but they didn't let that memory haunt them on Thursday. They had just enough and edged the Junction City Bluejays out 59-56. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Blues have posted since February 16, 2024.

Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Washburn Rural to victory, but perhaps none more so than John Hoytal, who posted ten points along with seven assists and six boards. Those seven assists gave Hoytal a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Kaden Ballard, who had 11 points and six rebounds.

Washburn Rural has been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five matchups, which provided a nice bump to their 9-3 record this season. As for Junction City, their defeat ended a six-game streak of away wins and brought them to 9-3.

When Washburn Rural and Junction City next hit the court, they'll be up against teams who recently just can't seem to lose. Washburn Rural will try to stop Blue Valley's six-game winning streak when the meet at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Washburn Rural is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 55.6 points per game this season. Meanwhile, Junction City will challenge Derby and their 12-game winning streak at 7:30 p.m. on Monday.