HILLSBORO, Kan. – The anticipation and excitement leading up to the 2024-25 Men's Basketball season came to a head on Tuesday night as Tabor College Gymnasium filled with students and fans looking to get a first glance at the new-look Bluejays.
First-year Head Coach Josh Roach officially opened his career as the new face of the Bluejay Men's Basketball program, leading his squad in primetime action against fellow Highway 56 foe Central Christian College in the first meeting between the two programs since the 2010-11 season.
Niieihii Blackbear put the Bluejays on the board first, officially kicking off the new era of Bluejay Basketball. The Tigers pulled away halfway through the first half, going on a big run to take a 14-point lead with 25 seconds to go. A huge three at the buzzer from
Marvin Ruffin put the Bluejays back within 11 heading into the halftime break.
Tabor cut the deficit to as few as six points in the second half, before the Tigers pushed the lead back out. Central Christian would ultimately go on to win by 12 thanks to some hot shooting, but there were plenty of positives for the Bluejays.
Kalep Crane led the way with 16 points, followed by Blackbear, who recorded a double-double with 12 points and a team-high 13 rebounds.
James Shoenfelt and
Batosse Gado each finished just outside of double figures with nine points apiece.
The Bluejays hit the road as they head to Orange City, Iowa to take on the No. 15 Northwestern College Red Raiders on Friday at 7:45pm. The game will be broadcast live on the
GPAC Network and live stats will be available
here.
Be sure to stay up to date with all information regarding Bluejay Athletics by following us on X at @gotaborbluejays, on Instagram and Facebook @taborbluejays, and on our official athletic website,
taborbluejays.com.
Tabor College is a Christ-centered institution located in Hillsboro, Kansas. The Bluejays are members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and compete in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC).
