Boys Basketball opens season 1-1

Grant Snowden, Sports Broadcaster

Manhattan High boys basketball opened their season last Friday at home against Topeka High with a 67-46 victory. Manhattan opened with a 67-46 victory. Manhattan had three scorers in double figures: seniors Cade Perkins and Tate Wilson put in 20 and 10 points respectively and junior Jack Wilson added 10 to the final score.

The Indians were able to welcome back fans after nearly a year of pandemic that allowed for no fans.

“It was cool having fans back in the stands,” Perkins said. “It was everyone’s first Varsity experience and I think our fans really made a difference.” 

Free Throw shooting was also a large reason for success. The Indians shot 77% from the line (17-22). Along with 6-6 in the fourth quarter which allowed them to pull away from the Trojans after a close game for a majority of the second and third quarter. 

“We moved the ball really well together and pushed the pace the whole game which eventually tired out Topeka High,” Perkins said.

Manhattan had eight players score in the win including five underclassmen. With only three seniors on this year’s team, underclassmen are incredibly important. 

“The underclassmen are the glue to our team,” Perkins said. “They allow us to have depth and make us able to play how we want to this season.”

Manhattan will be back in action on Friday, Dec. 10 against Hayden on the road. The Indians next home game will be on Friday, Dec. 17 against Topeka West. 

“We are happy how Friday went,” Perkins said. “But we know that’s not how every game will be, so we are going to keep getting better every day.”