Basketball Game Preview: Topeka Trojans vs. Washburn Rural Blues

Topeka hasn't had much luck against Washburn Rural recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Topeka Trojans will challenge the Washburn Rural Blues at 7:30 p.m. Given that the two teams suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this matchup.

Topeka is headed into Friday's contest looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fourth straight game on Wednesday. They were five points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 65-60 heartbreaker at the hands of Manhattan.

Meanwhile, Washburn Rural faced Blue Valley in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Tuesday. Washburn Rural lost 70-48 to Blue Valley.

Topeka will have to keep a close watch on Amare Jones and Simon Rowley, a pair of players who had a big impact on Washburn Rural's prior game. Jones went 5 of 11 en route to 16 points and seven boards, while Rowley went 7 for 13 on his way to 15 points. Kaden Ballard was another key player, putting up eight points and six rebounds.

Washburn Rural's loss ended a three-game streak of away wins and brought them to 9-4. As for Topeka, their defeat dropped their record down to 0-13-1.

Topeka came up short against Washburn Rural when the teams last played back in February of 2024, falling 61-48. A big factor in that loss was the dominant performance of Jones, who almost dropped a double-double on 21 points and nine boards. Now that Topeka knows the damage he can cause, will they be able to stop him this time? There's only one way to find out.