Basketball Game Preview: Raytown Bluejays vs. Belton Pirates

The Raytown Bluejays will head out on the road to square off against the Belton Pirates at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Given that the two teams suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this contest.

Last Monday, Raytown was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap as they fell 55-50 to Blue Springs South. The Bluejays have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Meanwhile, Belton came up short against Fort Osage last Monday and fell 68-58.

Raytown will need focus on slowing down Caleb Campbell, one of several Belton players who made an impact when they last played. He went 8 for 13 on his way to 19 points. The team also got some help courtesy of Cooper Shrum, who dropped a double-double on 11 points and 14 boards.

Even though they lost, Belton smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 21 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive boards in seven consecutive games.

Belton has traveled a rocky road recently having lost four of their last five matches, which put a noticeable dent in their 4-6 record this season. As for Raytown, their defeat dropped their record down to 5-3.

Raytown beat Belton 66-56 in their previous matchup back in February of 2024. Does Raytown have another victory up their sleeve, or will Belton turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.