Jefferson County North jumped out to a 9-2 lead minutes into the first quarter. THS coach RC Simmons called a timeout at the 5:04 mark.

Tonganoxie would tie the game up three minutes later. THS flipped the switch and ended up scoring 20 points in the first quarter on its way to a 65-55 victory. It marked the first win in the Simmons era as THS improved to 1-2 on the season.

THS led, 17-13, when Jayson Byrne hit a three-point buzzer beater at the end of the first quarter. Tonganoxie would take a 34-28 lead into the half, and JCN stayed with Tonganoxie in the third quarter. The Chargers trailed, 36-33, at the 5:49 mark of the third quarter, but the Chieftains would continue to keep their opponent at arm’s length. The Chargers cut it to 59-53 with 1:36 left, but JCN would not get any closer.

Nolan McGuire had a big night from beyond the arc. All of his points came from three-point land. He went 5-for-8 on his way to 15 points.

Noah Carlton led the team in scoring with 17.

Jayson Byrne also was in double figures with 14, while Owen Schmidt chipped in nine. Along Langford had four, as did Jett Gilmore. Anthony Roe had two in the victory.

Tonganoxie was without Lachlan McRae, who has been dealing with an ankle injury.

Next up for THS is Spring Hill on Tuesday at home. The Broncos are 1-1 after playing a pair of games in Emporia. Spring Hill defeated Emporia, 46-40, and then lost Friday to Hayden, 56-46.