Guthrie tops Crossings Christian to clinch first home regional tournament since 2010

GUTHRIE — Nathan Pennypacker could see the makings of an extraordinary year dating back to the summer.

He witnessed Guthrie's potential, which was untapped during Oklahoma State coach Mike Boyton's Team Camp in June. The three-day camp served as the group's first opportunity to play together at full health.

Yet, the ink on Pennypacker's new contract was still fresh. He'd been hired as head coach just days prior after previously coaching 190 miles west of Guthrie at Mangum.

"It didn't take long to realize in Stillwater that if we made some moves and some adjustments, this team could be pretty special," Pennypacker said after Guthrie's 46-43 win over Crossings Christian on Tuesday to clinch a spot to host a regional tournament.

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Now, in Pennypacker's first year under the helm, the Bluejays have entirely restored their basketball program from the outlook they had a year ago.

Tuesday's win gave Guthrie its 20th season victory after it finished 11-15 last season. Fast-forward a year, and the Bluejays sit tied atop District 5A-1 with rival Carl Albert.

"When I took this job and assembled our staff, I think we all expected this moment," Pennypacker said. "I can't take much credit for this, though. I've got some great kids with high IQs who have bought into what we're selling and do what we ask without question. It's been a joy to coach this team."

Guthrie has now won nine of its last ten games heading into the Class 5A postseason and sits second in the district standings due to tiebreakers. In those nine wins, the Bluejays routed competitors by an average deficit of 19 points.

Tuesday highlighted why opposing teams can't count the Bluejays out of a tight matchup. Despite a struggling game from its leading duo of Braydon Morgan and Alex Clark, the others stepped up.

"We feed off of how Alex and Braydon are going," said Guthrie guard Tyrone Beatty, who ended with a game-high 16 points.

"If they've got it going when we start, that makes the game easier for us. If not, then it's our turn to take over. We honestly flow through them."

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Emporia State football signee Nate Benford has served as the Bluejays' Swiss Army knife all season. He finished the night with six points, 14 rebounds and four steals after a similar dominant performance a week ago against El Reno.

Despite serving as Guthrie's small-ball center at 6-foot-2 and 180 pounds, he's provided evidence that the Bluejays' heart and integrity make up for their lack of size down low.

"Coach P tells us all the time that we don't prepare for anybody — they prepare for us," Benford said. "We also tried to feed off the crowd tonight. This is the most people that've come to a game since I've been here, so hosting regionals will be exciting."

"20-3 is a big accomplishment, but we're not done yet."

Guthrie will play its postseason opener against Guymon on Feb. 22. It marks the first time the Bluejays will host a regional playoff game since 2010.

"It means a lot to this team to see people in the community show up for these guys in big games like tonight," Pennypacker said. "I grew up not too far from here in Chickasha, so I know what Guthrie stands for from an athletic standpoint. It's been a while since people here have seen this in basketball, so I'm glad to be a part of it all."

Jordan Davis covers high school sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Jordan? He can be reached at jdavis@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @jdavis34_. Sign up for The Varsity Club newsletter to access more high school coverage. Support Jordan’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma high school basketball: Guthrie beats Crossings Christian