After trailing most of the night the Emporia High boys rallied in the 4th quarter to tie the game at 45, sending it to overtime.
In overtime, Jacob Ortega missed 2 free throws, got the rebound, and was fouled. He then made 2 free throws with 3 seconds left to give the Spartans a 4 point lead. Topeka Highs Jalen Smith made a shot from half-court and was fouled. He missed the free throw and the Spartans escaped with the 52-51 win.
Charles Snyder led Emporia High with 23 points. He scored 8 of those points in the 4th quarter and 4 in the overtime.
Coach Beau Welch says they played with a lot of heart.
With the win, the Emporia High boys reclaim the Dean Smith trophy.
The Emporia High girls were outscored by Topeka High 59-42. The Lady Spartans trailed 20-8 after the first quarter and never caught up. They did outscore Topeka High 29-27 in the 2nd half.
Coach Carolyn Dorsey said they dug themselves too deep of a hole in the first half.
Gracie Gilpin led the Lady Spartans with 16 points.
Both the Emporia High girls and boys host Manhattan Saturday.
The girls tipoff at 3:30p. Boys tipoff at 5 pm.
Both games will be broadcast on KVOE 1400AM/96.9FM.