Bluejays lose two heartbreakers to end 2022

Two heartbreaking losses closed out the Guthrie Bluejays basketball team’s 2022 portion of its schedule.

First, came a 60-58 loss to Northwest Classen on Dec. 13, when a 3-pointer from Jaylen Chelf rimmed out at the buzzer.

Three nights later, the Bluejays made a tremendous comeback against visiting Crossings Christian, rallying from 18 points down in the third quarter, only to see Jaylen Harper’s 3-pointer bounce off the rim in a 58-55 loss.

The Bluejays are 2-4 going into the holiday break and return to action Jan. 5 in the three-day Weatherford Tournament.

In the game against Crossings Christian (No. 2 in Class 4A), the visitors’ eight 3-pointers were hard to overcome, helping expand a 32-22 halftime lead to an 18-point advantage. Eight missed free throws slowly helped the Bluejays get back in it.

It was 56-55 with 4 seconds to go when the Knights converted two free throws. A length of court pass to Harper and an open look at the basket just missed, however.

Chelf led the Bluejays with 18 points and Brayden Morgan added 16. Harper had 7 points.

In the Northwest Classen game, the Bluejays jumped out to an 8-0 lead before the Knights closed the deficit to 28-27 at the half, relying on a couple of their own 8-0 runs.

The Blue Jays managed just seven third-quarter points and trailed 38-35 before a very entertaining fourth quarter found the teams collectively scoring 45 points. The Bluejays made three 3-pointers in the fourth quarter and were 6-for-6 from the line, but the Knights sealed it by hitting 12 of 14 free throws.

Morgan led the way with 24 points. Harper chipped in 11 and Nate Borland added 8.

The Bluejays return home on Jan. 24 to play Ponca City. Eight of their final 10 games will be in Guthrie.