Tuesday began the start of a pair of Mid State Conference girls and boys home games for Wayne High.
From the Wayne Jr/Sr High School gymnasium, the Blue Devils welcomed Crofton.
The Wayne High girls fell late 45-34 while the Blue Devil boys picked up a 58-46 victory against the visiting Warriors.
In the girls game, Crofton led 11-9 after the opening quarter before extending their lead with a 15-6 second quarter to go up 26-15 at the break. Crofton then extended their lead in the third quarter thanks to a 10-8 scoring clip as Wayne won the fourth, 11-9. Final favored Crofton winning 45-34 to snap a two-game losing streak and improve to 14-2 as Wayne High has now dropped back-to-back falling to 8-9.
Wayne High leaders were junior Haley Kramer with 11 points (three made three’s) as six-point scoring came from juniors Elle Powicki and Claire Lutter as well as sophomore Addison Frank.
Other scoring came from sophomore Alexis Legler with three points as junior Lilyan Hurner tallied two points.
The Blue Devils did not attempt a foul shot all night. Crofton was called for five fouls all game (four in the third quarter).
Crofton was led in scoring by junior Jaisie Janssen with 16 points (6-6 FT).
The Warriors finished 12-18 (7-8 in the fourth) from the charity stripe.
During the boys outing, Wayne led 16-11 following the first quarter and then extended their early lead at 18-13 in the second quarter to go up 34-24 at the break. Both teams scored 13 points in the third as Wayne won the fourth, 11-9. Final favored Wayne winning 58-46 to improve to 14-2 as the Warriors fell to 3-12 dropping back-to-back.
Wayne High leaders were senior Colson Nelsen with 21 points (three made three’s), followed by junior Brodey Munter with 13 points (three made three’s) as sophomore Jaxson Kneifl caught fire from long rage in the second half scoring nine points (three made three’).
Other scoring came from junior Jace Jorgensen with six points as three-point scoring came from seniors Kaden Keller and Gavin Redden (three-pointer) as well as junior Drew Reinhardt (three-pointer).
As a team, Wayne hit 11 three-pointers and have now made 108 on the season.
The Blue Devils shot 3-6 from the foul line.
Crofton was led in scoring by 19 points from junior Jace Panning and sophomore Trevor Allen (five made three’s).
The Warriors finished 1-2 from the charity stripe.
The Wayne High girls and boys will next host Cedar Catholic (Hartington) on Friday, Jan. 24.
