A pair of nail biters to start the second half of the season was the case for the Washington basketball teams last night against Burlington and both schools split the Southeast Conference showdown.

As heard on KCII, the Demon boys hosted the Grayhounds and it was Burlington’s quick guards that controlled the game early with a 17-9 lead after one and 34-25 advantage at the break. Clamping down defensively turned into easy points at the other end and Washington immediately erased the deficit in the third by evening the score at the five minute mark in the period. Numerous lead changes ensued for the final 13 minutes and in the end Burlington made just enough plays to secure a 66-60 victory. Michael Alexander was a Demon headache all night finishing with a game-high 23 points for the Grayhounds (1-3, 1-1). Kasen Bailey was vital in the second half comeback to tally 22 points and Trashaun Willis was also in double figures with 13. Demon Head Coach Collin Stark loved the team’s effort in the second half, but a tough first half was the difference. “We didn’t move the basketball enough in the first half to get great looks. We were getting okay looks, but we weren’t taking advantage of them being overly aggressive. Settling for shots transitioned into them getting easy buckets at their end. This game showed that every possession is critical.” Washington falls to 5-2 overall and 3-1 in the league. They look to get back in the win column tonight hosting Albia (3-1).

The Demon girls had a happy start to the New Year by picking up their first win with an exciting 53-52 victory at Burlington. Down one with 30 seconds left, Anna Nacos stole the Grayhound (0-2, 0-2) inbounds pass and was fouled. The senior calmly sunk both free throws to put the Demons up and one final stop at the other end meant celebration time for the road team. Nacos led all scorers with 23 points and Josie Tanner nailed four shots from long range to finish with 19 points. Washington is now 1-8 (1-3) and host Fairfield (2-1) on Friday.