Manhattan ? Veritas boys 44,
Chanute Christian 41

Manhattan — Veritas Christian’s boys basketball team overcame an early 11-point deficit and claimed a season-opening victory over Chanute Christian, 44-41, on Thursday in the Shea Tournament.

The Eagles trailed 16-5 after one quarter and 25-15 with two minutes left in the second quarter.

But Veritas went on a 7-0 run to close the first half, including a buzzer-beating halfcourt shot by Andrew Currier, and trailed just 25-22 at halftime.

“I was disappointed we came out flat,” Veritas coach Gary Hammer said, “but I was pleased we didn’t give up.”

Currier led the Eagles with 17 points, while Chad Steiben added nine points and Thomas Bachert scored eight. Caleb Holland had five points and a team-leading eight rebounds.

The Eagles will play Salina Smoky Valley Homeschool at 10:30 a.m. today in the second round of the tournament.

Veritas girls 34,
Chanute Christian 15

Manhattan — Veritas Christian’s girls basketball team raced to leads of 10 points after one quarter and 19 points at halftime and opened its season with a 34-15 victory over Chanute Christian in the Shea Tournament.

Naomi Hickman led the Eagles with 10 points and pulled down four rebounds, and Alison Dover had six points and a team-best nine rebounds. Tori Huslig scored five points, and Kristen Finger totaled four points and five rebounds. Joy Brooks also scored four points.

The Eagles will meet Salina Smoky Valley Homeschool at 9 a.m. today as the tournament continues.