Basketball Recap: Lorena Licona's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Baker over Sandy Valley

Baker was the 32-23 winner over Sandy Valley when they last played one another two weeks ago, but their luck changed this time around. The Baker Braves fell to the Sandy Valley Sidewinders 29-23. While losing is never fun, the Braves can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' basketball rankings in their respective home states (they are ranked 1128th in California, while the Sidewinders are ranked 95th in Nevada).

Baker lost on Thursday despite a true team effort on offense, the best among them being Lorena Licona, who posted four points in addition to seven rebounds and seven steals. Licona is on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed three or more in the last four games she's played. Another player making a difference was Claudia Licona, who put up nine points in addition to seven steals and six boards.

Baker dropped their record down to 1-5 with the defeat, which was their third straight at home. As for Sandy Valley, they moved to 1-6 with that victory, which also ended their nine-game losing streak.

Baker will get a bit of extra time to process the loss as their next game is a ways off. They'll take on Lone Pine at 4:30 p.m. on January 15, 2025. Sandy Valley also won't see the court for a while: their next matchup is against Indian Springs at 6:00 p.m. on January 8, 2025.