Hoopsters prepare for playoff runs

​Here it is: The long regular season is done, and Jefferson High’s basketball squads are getting ready for the District 5B tournament this week at Manhattan Christian. 

The Lady Panthers earned a first-round bye by finishing first — and undefeated — in the conference. Their first game will be on Friday at 1 p.m. against either Broadwater or Three Forks. The boys will open against Ennis on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Action continues until Saturday, with the top three teams advancing to the Divisional tournament in Billings Feb. 28 to Mar. 2.

Last week, the Panthers took on Townsend and Manhattan Christian, both on the road. Against Townsend, the boys put in the first 7 points on their way to a 19-8 lead at the end of the first quarter. Kellen Meridith started the second with a 3-pointer, Parker Wagner added another three and the Panthers led, 39-21, at the half.