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From ALAN HOSKINS, Kansan Contributor

What better than to continue a quest for the best start in Kansas City Kansas Community College history than to knock off arch-rival Penn Valley – and on the 19th ranked Scouts’ home floor?

With an 87-73 win Tuesday, the unbeaten Blue Devils ran their winning streak to eight in a row heading into a return engagement with Saint Mary’s JV at Leavenworth Monday at 5 p.m. that will set up one of the biggest weeks of the year.

Jayhawk Conference play begins at Highland Wednesday (5 and 7 p.m.) with the conference home opener against Labette at 2 and 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5.

The Blue Devils wasted no time in taking control at Penn Valley. Three quick baskets by Andre Metoyer and four Derick Denny three-pointers were instrumental in KCKCC surging to a 38-18 halftime lead.

“We really played well the first half,” said Coach Jon Oler. “We struggled a little the second half but still had a 22-point lead with a couple of minutes to go.”

Denny finished with 24 points including a half-dozen treys while Jonathan Wright added 15, Melvin Gatson 9 and Scott Fruehling and Metoyer 8 each.

The Blue Devils also got 10 rebounds each from Chris McDonald and Metoyer to win the battle of the boards 47-34.

“Chris McDonald really played well off the bench and Andre Metoyer played very well, especially in the opening half,” said Oler.

If everything goes as expected, the Blue Devil rebounding will only get better as rebound leader Dennis Tinnon is scheduled to return to action after missing the last five games with a leg injury.