Villisca knocks off Essex before Corner Conference Tourney

VILLISCA — In their final game before the Corner Conference tournament, the Villisca Blue Jays defeated the Essex Trojans, 70-22, Friday night in Villisca.

The offense and defense came alive for the Blue Jays in their first half, outscoring the Trojans 48-11.

Villisca gave up single-digit points to Essex all four quarters.

Marshall Dolch finished the game leading the Blue Jays in scoring with 31 points on 13-of-18 shooting.

Timmy Myers was behind Dolch in the scoring category, recording 21 on 7-of-14 shooting, including 5-of-10 from beyond the three-point arc.

Max Mauderly scored six points for the Blue Jays, while Joe McKinley and Chris Schaaf each recorded four.

Essex shot 7-of-28 from the field, grabbing seven offensive rebounds in the process.

Tuesday night, Villisca competed in the quarterfinals of the Corner Conference boys’ basketball tournament against South Page.

South Page knocked off Nishnabotna on Saturday night, 56-54.

Results weren’t available for the game as of press time.

In their previous meeting, Villisca blew out South Page, 70-25 on Dec. 10.

If Villisca advances, they would  play in the semifinals in Villisca against the winner of East Mills and Stanton on Thursday night.

By reaching the semifinals, the Blue Jays are already guaranteed a top four finish.

Both the championship and consolation games will be held in Tabor Saturday night.