With the second season upon us, the Bethel Bees boys’ basketball team is trying to get things turned around as they close out the season Friday night at home against Mississinawa Valley.

Last week, the Bees lost a pair of conference games, dropping their record to 12-9 overall, losing to tri Village 59-38 and being stunned by Newton 72-62.

“They came in with the mindset of blowing us out,” Bethel coach Eric Glover said of the state’s top ranked Tri Village Patriots. “We played a really good first half against them.”

Bethel jumped on them early, but the offense went stagnant.

“We got to a point where our defense was playing well but our offense couldn’t score,” Glover said. The Bees were 3-14 from the three, but more disheartening 15-47 from inside the arc.

“We got all the shots we needed, we just couldn’t score,” Glover said.  “We played them physical, and if we hit some of our shots it’s a different ballgame.”

After seeing that Tri-Village put up 137 points in their game on Friday, Glover was pleased how well his Bees played on defense against the high-flying Patriots.

Evan Hawthorne led with 18 for the Bees.

Also last week, Bethel lost to Newton 72-62 in a game that left a sour taste in the mouths of both the Bees players and coaches.

“We did not play well at all,” Glover said. “We were in a 1-2-2 just to get help outside, but they were knocking down three’s all night.”

“We went to man and their guards were too quick for us, and we couldn’t do anything with (Brock) Jamison who had 35 against us.”

Bethel started out on a 7-0 run, but Newton recovered, battling the Bees all night long.

“Our team struggled with quick guards, and even Caleb South has never seen that kind of defense before.”

South led with 20 and Hawthorne added 18.

South had 20 Hawthorn added 18.

“We missed 14 or 15 layups as a team, and you can’t win like that,” Glover said. “Newton was hot shooting the ball, and we were just a step behind. They were prepared to play and we weren’t.”

*This Friday is Senior Night for Devin Hazly, Julian Brooks and Curt Hamlin.

Bethel Girls Basketball- The Lady Bees saw their regular season end with a loss on the road Saturday, as they lost to Brookville 53-41. It was close throughout, as the Bees only trailed by two after the opening period, and 21-17 at the half.

Jordanne Gudorf led the Blue Devils with 19 points, while Bethel received 14 points from Sarah Swisher, while Jillian Callaham added 12.

The Bees now open their post season, as they will play the winner of Miami Valley/Tri County North game at Brookville, Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m.