Basketball Recap: Malcolm Comes Up Short

Malcolm was not able to break out of their rough patch on Saturday as the team picked up their third straight loss. They fell 62-52 to the Pender Pendragons. While losing is never fun, the Clippers can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Nebraska basketball rankings (they are ranked 73rd, while the Pendragons are ranked seventh).

Despite the defeat, Malcolm saw an underclassman step up: freshman Payton Dolliver went 8 for 16 on her way to 23 points and six rebounds. That was a full 44.2% of Malcolm's points, marking the fourth time in a row she's posted more than a third of the team's points. Merryl Paul was another key player, putting up five points and six rebounds.

Pender got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Hadley Walsh out in front who dropped a double-double on 21 points and ten boards. What's more, Walsh also racked up five steals, the most she's had since back in December of 2023. Another player making a difference was Maya Dolliver, who went 6 of 12 on her way to 18 points and six rebounds.

Malcolm's loss dropped their record down to 5-5. As for Pender, the win keeps them at an undefeated 14-0.

Malcolm will head out to take on Ralston at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. Ralston has been getting the ball to fall more lately as they've increased their point totals each of their last three games. As for Pender, they will host Homer at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Both teams are headed into the matchup with plenty of momentum (Pender has won eight straight at home dating back to last season, while Homer won four straight on the road), something that'll have to change.