FRHS falls in fourth

FORT RECOVERY — The Blue Jays scored 24 points through three quarters on Friday.

They matched the total in the final eight minutes.

Fort Recovery High School’s boys basketball team had its perfect start to the season come to an end as it allowed 24 points in the fourth quarter, losing to the Delphos St. John’s Blue Jays 48-45 at Fort Site Fieldhouse in its Midwest Athletic Conference opener.

The loss dips the Indians to 3-1 on the year and 0-1 in MAC play, while St. John’s moves to 3-2 (1-1 MAC).

Fort Recovery led 13-9 after the first quarter and pushed the advantage to six points, 22-16, at halftime. St. John’s started its comeback in the third quarter as it outscored the Indians 8-7 to trim the deficit to 29-24.

But in the final eight minutes the Blue Jays were 14-of-20 from the free-throw line to complete the comeback.

Payton Jutte led the Indians with 26 points, 12 of which came in the fourth quarter. He made all six of his free throws in the final period. Cade Wendel was second on the team with a dozen points, and Ryan Braun added five points. Grant Knapke chipped in two points.

Fort Recovery’s junior varsity team lost 49-40. Brian Bihn scored 12 points to pace the Indians. Gavin Thobe joined him in double figures with 11 points as Ryne Post contributed five points.