BY JIM MISUNAS
jmisunas@gbtribune.com

Great Bend's Taryn Warren isn't used to being the tallest, strongest basketball player on the court. Warren took full advantage by controlling play inside with 12 points Friday night in a 34-15 non-league basketball victory over 6A Junction City.

Mersadie Spray enjoyed a productive second half with 12 points and four steals. Spray scored 10 consecutive points for a 31-10 lead. Spray hit a fast-break basket and two free throws and followed with back-to-back 3-pointers.

"We're normally outsized a lot," said Great Bend coach Cindy Beck. "It was nice to see those girls battle and work hard. We have to keep playing strong inside and going up with the basketball. Sadie got a steal and layup to get going. She kept shooting and came back with two 3-pointers. We'll take it."

Warren's best friend was Emilee Hall, who directed back-to-back assists for a 17-5 lead. The Panthers' terrific trio of Warren, Spray and Hall combined for all 19 second-half points.

The Panthers' defense was spectacular as the Bluejays converted 5 of 27 field goals with 33 turnovers. Great Bend shut down offensive penetration and effectively pressured the Bluejays after they grabbed defensive rebounds.

"It was a great night. When you told a team to 15 points, that's a big night," Beck said.. Our pressure defense was better the second half. We made them uncomfortable and they made mistakes. We did a better job playing defense without fouls."  

Warren scored eight first-half points for a 15-5 halftime lead. The Panthers controlled the boards and converted 7 of 32 field goals. The Bluejays committed 13 turnovers and converted 2 of 16 field goals, a 12% clip.

Amyah O'Neal drilled back-to-back 3-pointers for two of three Bluejays second-half baskets.

The Panthers (1-3) journey to Larned Tuesday for a non-league basketball game.

Junction City 3 2 5 5  – 15

Great Bend 9 6 8 11 – 34

JUNCTION CITY (0-3)–Rexrode 2-5 3-4 7, O'Neal 2-5 0-0 6, Nabus 1-3 1-2 3, DeGuzman 0-3 0-2 0, Jeter 0-4 0-0 0, Hatcher 0-5 0-0 0, Harris 0-2 0-0 0, Totals 5-27 4-8 15.

GREAT BEND (1-3)–Spray 4-13 2-2 12, Warren 6-14 0-1 12, Hall 2-10 1-4 5, Kaiser 1-8 0-0 3, Emma Loomis 1-3 0-0 2, Reyes 0-1 0-0 0, Hannah Loomis 0-4 0-0 0, Premer 0-9 0-0 0, Fletchall 0-2 0-0 0, Totals 14-64 3-7 34.

3-pointers–JC 2-12 (O'Neal 2-2, Harris 0-2, Jeter 0-4, Hatcher 0-4), GB 3-17 (Spray 2-4, Kaiser 1-6, Warren 0-2, Fletchall 0-1, E. Loomis 0-2, Premer 0-2).