Senior Trey LaForge goes hard to the goal as the Jays fall to E. St. John, 50-45, in opening round play of the Newman Invitational. Photo provided Jeff Strout.

The return of three football players helped, but the additions weren’t enough to beat a talented East St. John squad. The Blue Jay basketball team fell to the Warriors, 50-45, on Tuesday, Dec. 9, in the opening round of the Newman Invitational. The event runs through Saturday, Dec. 13.

Senior Trey LaForge led the Blue Jay offensive attack with 21 points. Foster Moreau, also a senior, added nine points. Junior Mark Beebe finished with three points. All three joined the team this week after beating John Curtis in the LHSAA Allstate Sugar Bowl Division I football championship. Junior Rob Weiss pumped in eight for the Jays.

Jesuit was up 25-24 at the half, but couldn’t hold the lead. 

The loss evens the team’s record at 2-2.

Jesuit’s next game is Thursday, Dec. 11, against the loser of Karr vs. Yarra Valley (Australia).