Basketball Recap: Hayden Ganey's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Montgomery over Sterlington

Montgomery easily dispatched Northwood last Tuesday, but unfortunately both the margin and the ultimate result were a different story in this one. The Montgomery Tigers fell just short of the Sterlington Panthers by a score of 64-61 on Thursday. Sadly, that's the second time they've come up short against the Tigers this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 69-47 back in November of 2024.

Montgomery's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Hayden Ganey, who dropped a double-double on 13 points and 13 boards. Ganey has been hot recently, having posted nine or more rebounds the last four times he's played. Another player making a difference was Willie Christian, who dropped a double-double on 15 points and 15 boards.

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

Sterlington's victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Shermarion Dismuke, who went 5 of 9 on his way to 12 points and three steals. What's more, Dismuke also racked up four rebounds, the most he's had since back in December of 2023. Cooper Nelson was another key player, going 7 for 16 en route to 23 points and six assists.

Montgomery's defeat dropped their record down to 8-10. As for Sterlington, they now have a winning record of 12-11.

Montgomery wasted no time getting back out on the court and has already played their next game, a 73-39 win against St. Mary on the 17th. Sterlington has also already played their next contest, a 67-46 loss against Lincoln Prep on the 18th.