Manhattan High boys basketball opened the new year 1-1, splitting games with Highland Park and Emporia. 

Manhattan High got their win Tuesday night at home vs Emporia. Senior Tate Brown and junior Collins Elumego led the scoring for the Indians both adding 14 points. Additionally, junior Cole Coonrod put in 11.

“Well being as it was a home environment, I think it made things easier, but at the same time, we got to learn to get that on the road and there’s a lot more to it than just getting shots up and being productive on offense,” Brown said. “It was our defensive game that really helped improve a lot and you know, and I think once the defense gets going, then our offense gets going.” 

After facing a winless Emporia (0-7), Manhattan had to switch their focus to an undefeated Highland Park (7-0), short-handed. Senior Cade Perkins and junior Jack Wilson, two usual starters, were both inactive Friday night. Manhattan was led by leading scorer Coonrod who had nine, while Brown had eight. 

Now Manhattan will face two Centennial League opponents. The team will open the week Tuesday night at home vs Washburn Rural (3-3). 

“With Washburn, I expect them to be very fundamental, very sound and very disciplined. I expect them to be able to shoot it and do anything anywhere on the offensive side. With defense, it’s going to be a bit of a wild card,” said Brown. “They kind of just have their defenses a little odd. I mean, they can either ice it up or they can just let it fly. You know, it’s hard to tell with them on defense and that’s what makes them a good team.” ​

Then Manhattan High will then head to Topeka Seaman (5-2) Friday night. 

“I think it’s going to be a really big showdown,” Brown said. “It’ll be tough to see how they’re gonna bring it. I mean, (Seaman has) had some tough losses and some very good wins, so I don’t know where their standpoint is right now, but that game should be just as good.”