The Washington Demon boys’ basketball team used a strong start to race past Ottumwa 68-49 last night. Washington used a 13-1 run to close the first quarter and build a 22-8 lead. The Demons duplicated that performance in the second period and seized a 43-19 advantage at halftime, with Ottumwa only coming as close as 14 points in the second half. Three Washington players scored double-figure points, led by senior Ethan Patterson’s 19. Like Patterson, sophomore Logan McDole knocked down four three-pointers and finished with 18 points. Senior guard Aden Six added 16 points to help the Demons improve to 7-6.

The Washington girls lost 42-41 at Ottumwa in a game that came down to the final play. Washington’s one-point lead in the opening quarter would get as large as eight, but Ottumwa rallied and led 21-19 at the half. The lead traded hands and stayed close the rest of the night, with the Bulldogs leading in the waning seconds. Demon senior Alex Murphy had two shots to win it in the final seconds, but neither fell. Freshman Adalyn Long led Washington with five made triples and 17 points scored, but the Demons still lose their sixth straight to fall to 6-9. Both Washington teams next play Friday against Burlington. You can hear the boys’ game Friday starting at 7 on 106.1 FM KCII.