The third-ranked Yates Center boys are undefeated heading into the break after a 65-47 win over Southeast-Cherokee on Tuesday.
The Wildcats are 5-0 and are the last remaining unbeaten team in the area.
Yates Center showed off its depth in the win, recording four different players in double-figures led by junior forward Aaron King who had 12 points followed by 11 each for Jordan Smith and Nolan Jones and 10 for Josh King.
The Wildcats got out to a strong 21-12 lead after the first quarter and faced little resistance from there on out. They outscored Southeast 19-7 going into half and 14-11 in the third quarter stretching their lead to 24. The Lancers made a push late in garbage-time but a 17-11 fourth quarter would do them no good.
Yates Center (21-19-14-11—65) (2pt/3pt-FT-F-TP) A. King 3/2-0-0-12, Jones 3/1-2-4-11, Smith 2/2-1-3-11, J. King 4/0-2-1-10, Bedell 4/0-0-2-8, Forsyth 3/0-1-3-7, Solander 0/1-0-1-3, Gaudling 0/1-1-3,
Meanwhile, the Wildcat girls fell from the ranks of the unbeaten, barely losing to Southeast 46-42.
Yates Center will open up the new year hosting Flint Hills when they return from winter break on Jan. 2.
OTHER AREA SCORES
Crest boys fell to Pleasanton 63-38 while the girls fell 47-26 and the Southern Coffey County boys beat Marais des Cygnes 55-39 while the girls won 49-19. Crest will play at Northeast-Arma when they come back from winter break on Jan. 3 while Southern Coffey County faces Waverly on Friday.
PICTURE — Wildcat junior Aaron King goes up for a lay-up as a Cherryvale defender trails behind in Yates Center’s win over the Chargers on Dec. 8. REGISTER/TIMOTHY EVERSON
