Basketball Recap: Tulare Union Falls Despite Big Games from Kaiden Valdez and Kailee Gilbert

Tulare Union was the 38-32 winner over Tulare Western when they last played one another back in January, but their luck changed this time around. The Tulare Union Tribe took a 43-33 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Tulare Western Mustangs on Tuesday. The Tribe have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Kaiden Valdez

Rebounds

02/11/25 @ Tulare Western	10
02/06/25 @ Dinuba	11
02/04/25 vs Mission Oak	7
01/31/25 vs Hanford	9
01/29/25 @ Lemoore	7
+ 22 more games

Tulare Union's defeat shouldn't obscure the performances of Kailee Gilbert, who posted 14 points, and Kaiden Valdez, who dropped a double-double with 11 points and ten boards. With that strong performance, Valdez is now averaging an impressive 8 rebounds per game. Another player making a difference was Karla Gomez, who put up four points.

Regina Toscano was the offensive standout of the match as she almost dropped a double-double with 17 points and nine boards. That's the most points she has posted since back in December of 2024. Annette Lopez was another key player, putting up eight points and three steals.

Tulare Union's loss dropped their record down to 14-14. As for Tulare Western, their win was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 18-9.

Coming up, Tulare Union will host Selma at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Selma has been getting the ball to fall more lately as they've increased their point totals each of their last three games. As for Tulare Western, they are taking a road trip to take on Hoover at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Hoover will roll in looking for their fifth straight victory, something Tulare Western surely won't give up without a fight.