Emporia High basketball rang in 2026 with a sweep of Circle.
The girls used a strong third quarter in their victory Friday in Emporia against Circle 32-25.
The Lady Spartans scored the first three points of the game, but the Thunderbirds closed with eight straight for the 8-3 lead after one. EHS cut the deficit to 14-13 at half. Emporia claimed the third outscoring Circle 9-3 and built their lead to 22-17.
Kaylee DeWitt had a game high 11 points while Bailey Wiltz chipped in six.
EHS didn’t allow a single three and that was a huge focus of Bill Nienstedt.
The Lady Spartans match their win total from last season at four. They are 4-4 overall.
Emporia travels to Topeka to open Centennial League action against Hayden on Tuesday
The boys cruised to a 73-38 victory over Circle on Friday in Emporia.
EHS opened with a 15-0 run and held a 23-7 lead after the first. The Spartans exploded for 27 points in the second as the advantage grew to 50-15. Emporia took a 67-24 lead into the fourth.
Rylan Crowell had a game high 21 while Terrick Franklin added 14 points. Crowell credits putting in extra work during holiday break for the strong start.
Franklin consistently got free under the bucket.
The offense was humming in the first half scoring 50 points for Evan Burns.
The Spartans improve to 8-0.
Emporia hits the road for the first time on Tuesday with a trip to Hayden. Mix 104.9 FM will have the girl/boy doubleheader at 5:45 p.m.
