The Blue Jays picked up two important district road victories last week, earning a 58–50 win over Holy Cross before following it with a 52–38 victory at Edna Karr. The results pushed the basketball team to 17–7 overall and 3–2 in District 9-5A, keeping the Jays firmly in the mix in one of the most competitive districts in the state.

District 9-5A has lived up to its reputation, a gauntlet of talented competition, featuring multiple state-ranked programs. The Blue Jays’ two district losses have come against elite competition in No. 1 John Curtis and No. 3 St. Augustine, while their earlier win over Curtis remains one of the season’s most notable results, handing the Patriots one of just two losses on their record.

At Holy Cross, the Tigers took an early lead before senior Zach LaGraize provided a spark in the first quarter, scoring eight points as the Blue Jays responded to each run. The team created separation in the second quarter, outscoring Holy Cross 18–9 to take a 31–19 halftime lead. Five different Blue Jays scored in the period, with LaGraize adding five points and junior Duke Nitcher and senior Brennan Pitts contributing four each.

LaGraize finished with a game-high 25 points, scoring inside, from the free-throw line, and from beyond the arc with a three-pointer in each quarter. Holy Cross closed the gap late, cutting the lead to 56–50 in the final two minutes, but junior Luke Wetmore connected on two free throws to secure the road win.

Two nights later, the Blue Jays turned in a strong defensive performance at Edna Karr. The basketball team limited the Cougars to fourteen points in the first half and allowed just five points in the fourth quarter after Karr made a third-quarter push. The Jays recorded 12 assists, with seven players contributing at least one.

LaGraize again led the way with 18 points, along with five rebounds and three assists, while converting all eight of his free-throw attempts. Pitts and junior Jack Maguire each scored 10 points, and senior Sven Jenson contributed on the defensive end with five rebounds and three blocks.

With district play tightening, the Blue Jays return home Tuesday, February 10, for a highly anticipated district matchup against Brother Martin at Benson Arena. The basketball team defeated the Crusaders earlier this season in a non-district meeting, and the rematch carries district implications while also serving as senior night, honoring the program’s seniors.