The Bluejay boys beat Nemaha Central on the road early in the week and would close out with a homestand against the Jeff West Tigers on Friday, Feb. 10. Sabetha’s defense held the Tigers to single-digit scoring through the first two quarters and held a 20-point advantage at the half. The Jays dominated the game from start to finish and took the victory, 70-32.

“We started strong and played well throughout,” said Head Coach Scott Burger. “Our defense set the tone as we held them to 5 and 8 points in the first two quarters.”

Seniors Davis Rokey and Matthew Garber led the charge to start their team’s offense posting 9 points and 7 points, respectively. Rokey had a triple, double and was a perfect four of four from the free throw line in the first quarter, and Garber dropped a pair of treys and a free throw in the effort. Sabetha led 20-5 at the end of the first.

Garber and Rokey continued to punish the Tiger defense scoring 5 points and 6 points, respectively, in the second quarter. Senior Nohl Niehues had a bucket in the second period and 4 points in the first half. The Jays defense squeezed the Tigers and allowed them just 8 points in the second frame and led their guests, 33-13.

Jeff West made some adjustments at the half and broke into the double digit in scoring in the third quarter. Senior Preston Michael had 5 points and junior Christian McAfee had 4 points to help buoy up Rokey and Garber, who continued to produce on offense. Sabetha outscored the Tigers 20-13 in the third period and led 53-26 headed into the closing quarter.

With a cozy advantage, the Bluejay reserve players gained their opportunity to contribute to the game. The scoring was led by a regular starter, and junior Marcus Bauman had a trey and a pair of free throws for 5 points, junior Will Ulrich had 4 points, and senior Nathan Voos and junior Jacob Grimm each added a bucket. Jeff West managed just 6 points in the final period and the Bluejays took the win at home, 70-32.

“I was proud of our guys and their effort, and our bench got to play a lot of minutes and did a great job,” Coach Burger said. “We shot well and shared the ball throughout the game, and we won the battle of the boards and was able to get to the foul line throughout the night.”

The Bluejays continue to be unbeaten on the season, boosting their record to 11-0 in the Big Seven and 17-0 overall. Sabetha defended their home court against Perry-Lecompton on Tuesday, Feb. 14. These results were not available at The Herald’s press time. The Jays will travel to Holton on Friday, Feb. 17.