SPRINGFIELD -- The Jefferson City Jays had the early lead Friday night against the Greenwood Blue Jays, but they were unable to hold on in a 76-61 loss.
It was Jefferson City’s first game in nearly two weeks.
The Jays were able to use their size advantage early and jumped out to a 15-9 lead after the first eight minutes.
This advantage continued in the second quarter led by Michael Onunkwor, who had all 11 of his points in the first half. Jefferson City led 33-19 at the half.
The Jays continued their form early in the third quarter, starting the second half on a 10-0 run to extend its advantage to 43-19 about halfway through the quarter, its largest lead of the contest.
The rest of the game was all Greenwood. Tanner Jones, son of former NBA player Dahntay Jones, scored 24 of his game-high 26 points in the final 12 minutes to lead the comeback for the Blue Jays.
Greenwood (12-5), ranked No. 8 in Class 3, took its first lead of the game at 51-50 after a Jones layup capped an 11-0 Blue Jays run.
Steven Samuels matched Onunkwor with 11 points. Only five Greenwood players got in the scoring column, but all five reached double figures.
Jefferson City (6-8) will be back in action today in Camdenton for the Laker Shootout when it takes on Class 3 No. 6 Skyline (12-4) at 2:30 p.m.