Jays fall just short of state title game

The 12th ranked Guthrie boys basketball team got the start they wanted in the 5A state semifinals, but Tulsa East Central made a defensive stand in the second half inside the Mabee Center.

Guthrie jumped out to a 30-22 halftime lead, but managed just 5 points in the third quarter alone as East Central quickly erased what the Jays had built at the half to tie the game at 35-all going into the fourth quarter.

The Cardinals scored the final quarters first 6 points and extended that with a 12-2 run to go up 47-37 with 2:27 left to play.

East Central outscored Guthrie in the 31-19 with a big credit of that going to the Cardinals offense, who made it difficult for the Jays to find open shots.

Despite the double-digit deficit, Guthrie pulled within 3-points (50-47), but the Cards hit crucial free throws down the stretch to secure the win.

The spark in the first half was junior point guard Jerrick Warren, who scored 9 points in each of the first quarters with his ability to drive to the basket for contested lay-ups. Warren finished with 23 points.

The BueJays end their season with a 17-11 record and say good-bye to three seniors: Codee Gross, Sharon Parker and Shannon Stansbury.

Guthrie wins first round game over Del City

The Eagles were ranked No. 1 majority of the season as they made the move down to Class 5A.

Del City jumped out to a 7-2 lead, but Guthrie got a bucket from freshmen L’Liot Curry at the :54 mark to give the Jays a 10-9 lead. The Eagles grabbed one more lead in the second quarter (17-16). However, it would be their last lead.

Guthrie appeared they were going into the locker room with a 1-point lead, but sophomore guard Kai Callins was fouled when he grabbed a Del City miss under the basket and threw the ball down court in a shooting motion. Callins drilled all three free throws with no time on the clock to give Guthrie a 21-17 advantage.

Del City tied the game at 32-all with 6:59 left in the game, but Guthrie was impressive down the stretch highlighted by making free throws.

Senior Codee Gross led the offensive charge with 22 points.