NEW MADRID, Mo. — Demonstrating a never-say-die attitude and that same ole brand of Blue Jays’ basketball, Charleston refused to be outdone, erasing a six-point deficit with a decisive 17-2 fourth-quarter run to secure a deserved victory over Horn Lake in the RiverBend Shootout on Friday, Nov. 24.
Despite a roster reshuffle, the Blue Jays (1-0) retained their signature defensive grit, applying relentless pressure that forced turnovers and fueled their transition offense in the 50-44 season-opening win over the Eagles (3-5), proving that the heart of the program remains unchanged.
"Even with a relatively new team, we're committed to staying true to our identity,” said Charleston coach Jamarcus Williams. “We want to play with defensive tenacity, force turnovers, and convert those into easy baskets. Our goal is to make scoring tough for our opponents. We're still finding our footing, but I'm proud of our grit and determination tonight. This early-season victory feels like a bonus."
Despite some inconsistencies in their shooting, the Blue Jays displayed remarkable efficiency from two-point range, converting an astonishing 91% of their attempts (21-of-23).
This precision in the paint proved to be the cornerstone of their victory, as they consistently capitalized on close-range opportunities to maintain their lead.
While Charleston's overall shooting percentage of 60% was admirable, the cold streak from three-point range (0-for-12) and struggles at the free-throw line (9-for-19) suggest areas for refinement in the offensive repertoire.
“We don’t want that to be who we are this season,” Williams said. “With a little more experience under our belt, I have no doubt we could have easily scored 70 points tonight."
The first half was a tightly contested affair, with both teams trading baskets and momentum. Horn Lake edged out Charleston 12-11 after a clutch floater from Loghan Johnson in the lane with just four seconds left in the first quarter.
The Blue Jays countered with a decisive move of their own, recapturing the lead 20-19 at halftime as Owens cashed in on the free throw after making the basket with 1.6 on the clock until halftime.
"That was a massive play for us,” Williams said. “Owens stepping up and delivering big games is something we'll need to count on consistently. He's a key player for us, and we expect him to bring his best every night.”
The third quarter brought a shift in momentum, as the Horn Lake seized control with a fiery 10-0 run to open the period.
The offensive surge propelled them to an eight-point lead, leaving Charleston scrambling to regain their footing. As the buzzer sounded for the third quarter, the Eagles held a precarious 33-27 advantage, casting a shadow of doubt over the Blue Jays’ hopes for victory.
“We came out stagnant in the third quarter,” Williams said. “We weren’t protecting our zone, we didn’t rebound and we gave up second-chance shots. That’s how you get beat. Offensively we weren’t doing things the right way either.”
Owens sparked the comeback with a flurry of baskets, showcasing his leadership and determination.
However, it was a collective effort that propelled the Blue Jays to a commanding lead.
Tayshon Clark, Zachyran Thomas, Owen Willis, and DeShaun Henderson all stepped up with clutch plays, their contributions forming an unbreakable chain of resilience.
Clark and Thomas, in particular, found their rhythm in the final frame, fueling Charleston's surge. With 2:50 left on the clock, the Blue Jays had seized control, leading 43-35.
“That’s what it takes,” Williams said. “Our guys did a tremendous job and I was pleased with our team effort. We got stops and scored. That’s the solution for success. But even with that great run, our inexperience still showed. We still have a lot of growing to do, but I’m confident that will come over time.”
Clark finished the game with nine points and four steals; Thomas had seven points and six rebounds; Willis contributed six points, six rebounds, three steals and two blocks; and Henderson chipped in five points.
Charleston hosts Dexter (0-0) on Tuesday, Nov. 28 and travels to Notre Dame (0-0) on Friday, Dec. 1.
__CHARLESTON 50, HORN LAKE 44__
Horn Lake 12 6 15 9 — 44
Charleston 11 9 7 13 — 50
Horn Lake (44) — Ronald Wilson 19, Jordan Simmons 10, Kemauri Mack 7, Loghan Johnson 4, J’Kenmyan Sipp 2, Tylan Young 2. FG: 18. FT: 3-6. F: 22. (3-pointers: Wilson 3. Fouled out: Mack, Sipp).
Charleston (50) — Ko’Terrion Owens 21, Tayshon Clark 9, Zachyran Thomas 7, Owen Willis 6, Deshaun Henderson 5, Treshaun Schandon 2. FG: 21. FT: 9-19. F: 10. (3-pointers: none. Fouled out: none).
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