Washburn Rural

The Emporia High School boys basketball team was unable to overcome Washburn Rural on Friday as the Spartans fell to the Junior Blues, 48-31.

Washburn Rural jumped out to a 12-2 lead and led 12-7 at the end of the opening quarter. Both teams netted six points in the second stanza as the score was 18-13 at the half.

The Spartans trailed 31-22 heading into the fourth quarter and were able to trim the deficit down to seven points, but Washburn Rural closed the game with a 10-0 run.

Head coach Lee Baldwin took responsibility for the loss. “I take full responsibility for our effort tonight,” Baldwin said. “It wasn’t where it needed to be. We came out flat and didn’t play smart, and that’s on me. Hopefully we will be better in those areas before Tuesday.”

Only two Spartans got into the scorebook. River Peters led Emporia with 17 points, while Sheldon Stewart added 14.

Emporia (9-5) will begin the second half of the Centennial League schedule when it hosts Hayden on Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Emporia JV 48

Washburn Rural JV 46

JV Record: 6-4

Emporia C 30

Washburn Rural C 54 

C Record: 4-6