Bluejays Clamp Down Late, Outlast Bears in Statement Win

By Skylan Akins | SWMO Sports

One of the most intriguing small-school matchups in southwest Missouri lived up to the hype Friday night as the Clever Bluejays defended their home floor against the explosive Galena Bears, pulling away late for a gritty 61–53 victory in the panhandle of Christian County.

Clever entered the night red-hot at 11–2, with its only blemishes coming against top-ranked Hartville and a tight Blue & Gold Tournament loss to Willard—games the Jays led by double digits before late swings.

Galena arrived with a 9–1 mark and one of the most dangerous offenses in the region, already topping 74 points five times this season, hitting 90 twice, and fresh off a 102–70 blowout of New Covenant.

It was a classic clash of styles: Coach Scott Brakebills’ fast-paced, high-powered Bears versus Coach Sean Price’s disciplined, physical Clever defense that has a habit of slowing even the best offenses.

Game Recap

The game opened at a measured pace, with both teams trading punches early. Clever finally gained some momentum when Coleson Cupit knocked down a three to give the Bluejays an 11–8 edge midway through the quarter. Galena answered behind Cody Jones, who tied the game at 16 with 30 seconds left.

Just when it looked like Clever would hold for the final shot, Jameson Brakebill drilled a buzzer-beating three, sending the game into the second quarter knotted at 18.

Clever began to stretch the floor in the second, getting back-to-back threes from Lucas Peebles and Evan Verch to push the lead to 24–18. Galena’s size inside—particularly Jack Stephens and Bobby Harris—kept the Bears within striking distance.

Cupit’s steady play at the line helped Clever regain control late, and his free throws gave the Jays a slim 30–28 advantage heading into halftime.

The third quarter turned into a grind. With just over two minutes left, Clever clung to a 33–32 lead before a physical sequence ended with Cupit finishing a layup off a Braxtyn Myers assist to make it 39–34.

Galena continued to lean on its size, with Stephens scoring on a strong finish to cut the lead. Verch answered with an and-one to put Clever up 43–38, but Stephens struck again at the buzzer with a reverse layup, trimming the margin to 43–40 heading into the fourth.

Peebles opened the final frame with a deep three, extending Clever’s lead to 48–42—its largest of the night to that point. Galena refused to fold. Buckets from Jaxon Foster and an Andru Foster three tied the game at 50 with just over three minutes remaining.

Then the Bears surged. Bobby Harris buried a three from near the volleyball line to cap an 11–0 Galena run and give the visitors a 53–50 lead.

Clever responded with poise. Peebles hit a clutch three to tie it at 53, then drew a foul on another attempt moments later, calmly sinking all three free throws to swing momentum back to the Jays. Clever forced a late turnover and iced the game at the line, closing on an 8–0 run to secure the 61–53 win.

Players of the Game

Lucas Peebles | 6’1| Clever | Class of 2026

Peebles delivered the kind of performance that swings tight games. He was efficient and under the radar early, quietly stacking points in the first half while letting the game come to him. When Clever needed offense late, he flipped the switch. Peebles showed his full scoring package—knocking down shots from deep, attacking closeouts, and stepping to the line with confidence in crunch time. His ability to score in bursts completely changed the momentum, and his composure down the stretch was the difference. He finished with a game-high 29 points and every one of them mattered.

Coleson Cupit | 6’0| Clever | Class of 2027

Cupit controlled the flow of the game from the point guard spot and played his most complete game to date. He was steady, unselfish, and composed, consistently putting teammates in the right spots while taking advantage of what the defense gave him. Defensively, he was just as impactful—cutting off fast breaks, anticipating passing lanes, and making life difficult for Galena’s guards. Cupit didn’t force the action, but when the moment called for it, he delivered. He closed with 15 points and a stat line that undersold just how important he was to Clever’s win.

Jack Stephens | 6’3| Galena | Class of 2026

Stephens was a problem all night. His physicality and strength around the rim made scoring in the paint a challenge for Clever, and his timing as a help defender led to several momentum-changing blocks. Offensively, he showed comfort playing with his back to the basket while also handling the ball well for his size. Stephens’ ability to finish through contact and clean up possessions kept Galena within striking distance deep into the fourth quarter and anchored the Bears on both ends of the floor.

Cody Jones | 6’0| Galena | Class of 2026

Jones faced constant defensive pressure from the opening tip, spending much of the first half being face-guarded and denied touches. Even so, he stayed aggressive and found ways to impact the game. He consistently attacked the rim, absorbed contact, and knocked down difficult, contested shots when Galena needed offense. His toughness and shot-making stood out, especially late, as he battled through defensive attention to finish with 11 points.

What’s Next

Clever (12–2) The Bluejays won’t have much time to enjoy the statement victory as they shift focus to tournament play. Clever opens the Crane Tournament on January 13th, squaring off against the Gloria Deo Lions in a first-round matchup. With their defense traveling well and guards playing with confidence, the Bluejays will look to carry momentum into a tournament setting where execution and depth often decide outcomes.

Galena (9–2) Galena heads back home looking to respond quickly. The Bears return to their home floor on January 13th to take on the Verona Wildcats, a matchup that presents an opportunity to get back in rhythm offensively. Expect Galena to lean on its physical interior presence and pace as it looks to bounce back and continue building toward postseason play.

Key Takeaways

• Defense still wins big games. Clever’s ability to disrupt Galena’s offensive rhythm proved decisive in the closing minutes.

• Shot-makers swing momentum. Lucas Peebles’ late-game shooting turned a tight contest in Clever’s favor.

• Point guard play matters. Coleson Cupit’s poise and decision-making anchored Clever in pressure moments.

• Galena’s size translates. Jack Stephens and Bobby Harris consistently impacted the paint and will be matchup challenges moving forward.

• This felt like March basketball in January. Physical play, execution, and composure defined a game that will benefit both teams down the stretch.

Final Word

In a game defined by toughness, execution, and late-game composure, Clever once again showed why it’s one of the most difficult teams to score against in southwest Missouri. Galena’s firepower is real, but on this night, the Bluejays’ defense—and a clutch performance from Peebles and Cupit—proved decisive.

Final: Clever 61, Galena 53

Thank you to ShotbyDMar for the cover photo of Clever senior Lucas Peebles from the Blue and Gold tournament