PURCELL – Bethany couldn’t overcome Yukon senior guard Jaylen Thomas, who poured in 37 points as the Millers beat the Bronchos, 69-61, in the third place game of the Heart of Oklahoma Basketball Tournament Saturday (Jan. 20).

Thomas scored 28 points in the second half as Bethany watched its 34-28 halftime lead dissipate. In the fourth quarter, Thomas was 8-of-8 from the free throw line.

“We didn’t guard very well and that’s what killed us at the end,” Bethany coach Brett Cannon said.

Despite the Bronchos’ second-straight loss, Cannon liked some of what he saw from his squad which lost by 14 to Byng that night before.

“I’m proud that we finally look like ourselves again,” Cannon said.

Junior Wyatt Geissler scored 18 of his 22 points in the first half, sinking four 3-pointers.

“The kid can shoot that actual crap out of it,” Cannon said. of Geissler, who was frustrated and slumping after the Byng game. “I just told him like, hey, just go have fun. Do you. He looked like he was having fun and playing his game tonight.”

Geissler was one of three Bronchos in double figures, joined by fellow juniors Aiden Todd (17 points) and Jackson Payne (10 points).

“It’s always tough regardless, playing a 6A school,” Cannon said. “No excuse or anything, but (Yukon’s) a good team. If they’re in 4A, they’re gonna compete every night.”

The Millers (7-9) struggled early in the season, but had won four straight games before eventual tournament champion Anadarko bounced them Friday.

The tougher competition is something Cannon thinks will pay dividends come playoff time.

“Let’s go play in these good tournaments and let’s see if we can give ourselves a chance and see what the adversity looks like in the games,” Cannon said. “It will get ourselves ready to go when, when, when the games really matter.”

UP NEXT: The Bronchos (12-3 and ranked No. 5 in Class 4A) travel to Casady to meet the Cyclones Tuesday (Jan. 23). Tip-off is at 7 p.m.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	F
Yukon	16	12	20	21	69
Bethany	15	19	14	13	61