Basketball Recap: Tyson Essex's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Loomis over Amherst

Loomis was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their fourth straight defeat dating back to last season. They took a 65-52 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Amherst Broncos. The result was an unpleasant reminder to the Wolves of the 52-32 loss they experienced in the pair's previous head-to-head fixture back in December of 2023.

Loomis' defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Tyson Essex, who went 5 for 12 on his way to 13 points in addition to seven boards and five assists. The team also got some help courtesy of Ben Trompke, who posted 13 points.

Leading Amherst to victory were Kyler Jones and Gavin Davis. Jones almost dropped a double-double on nine points and 11 boards, while Davis dropped a double-double on 13 points and 11 boards. Those 11 rebounds gave Jones a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Braylon Russell, who put up 12 points and seven rebounds.

Loomis' loss dropped their record down to 0-3. As for Amherst, the win (which was their 12th in a row dating back to last season) raised their record to 3-0.

Loomis didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next match, a 62-60 defeat against Bertrand on the 14th. Amherst will take on Arcadia/Loup City in a holiday battle at at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. One thing working in Amherst's favor is that they have posted at least 55 points every time they've taken the court this season.