BETHANY — Bethany survived a fourth-quarter surge by Western Heights in a 48-46 win Friday (Jan. 16).

The Bronchos took a 43-30 lead into the fourth quarter but the Jets responded with an 11-0 run to make it 43-41 with 2:59 left.

Senior Jagger Weaver spun in the lane and sank an off-balance shot and Bethany led, 45-41.

Western Heights senior Cruz Bluitt split two free throws with 2:05 left and the score was 45-42.

After a Broncho turnover, Jet senior Nick Henderson spun in the lane and laid up a floater to make it 45-44 with 1:42 left. The Bronchos answered on the other end with sophomore Breck Brady, who put back his own miss with just his right hand to extend the lead to three points, 47-44.

Western Heights went back to Henderson, but his shot in the lane was off and Brady grabbed the rebound with 1:04 left.

From there, the Bronchos tried to drain some clock. The ball went into the lane but Weaver was called for a travel with 22 seconds left.

Cruz Bluitt attempted a trey with one second left. Bethany senior Seth Greiner contested the shot and was tagged with a foul.

Bluitt made the first two free throws but the third hit off the front of the rim and Brady grabbed the rebound and was fouled.

Brady hit the first foul shot and hit the front of the rim on the second and senior Denton Jaggers grabbed the rebound as time expired to seal the win.

“More growing pains but winning and growing is the goal.” Bethany coach Josh Holliday said via text. “These guys just don’t have any quit. They continue to fight until the clock says zero and that will always yield improvement.”

Holliday praised his bench for their minutes on the floor as well as junior Conor Sydnes.

“He was ready to go and was a difference maker tonight,” Holliday said.

Jaggers finished with 13 points, all in the second quarter.

Brady scored eight of 11 points in the the second half.

Sophomore had two first half 3-pointers and finished with eight points.

JETS CAN’T SEAL THE DEAL

Western Heights coach Jonathan Bluitt said his team is close to where he wants them to be.

“We just have to learn how to close games down the stretch,” Bluitt said.

Cruz Bluitt had 23 points with six treys in the loss. Jaden Diaz added 10 points and Henderson scored five points.

UP NEXT

Bethany (12-4) meets Elgin Thursday (Jan. 22) to open the Heart of Oklahoma Basketball Tournament in Purcell.

The Owls are 2-7 and lost toe Kingfisher, 63-43, Friday. Elgin will play at John Marshall Saturday (Jan. 17) and host 3A Jones Tuesday.

Western Heights (6-8) meets 5A Shawnee (6-7) Tuesday (Jan. 20).

The Jets lost to Collinsville, 62-59, Friday.

Photographs courtesy of Kristie Escoe of Life in Action Photography.

	1	2	3	4	F
Western Heights (6-8)	13	7	10	16	46
Bethany (12-4)	10	12	21	5	48