Basketball Recap: Menendez Takes a Loss

Menendez extended their losing streak (dating back to last season) to four on Thursday, dropping them down to 0-3. They fell 65-57 to the Matanzas Pirates. The Falcons were not able to make up for their defeat to the Pirates from their previous meeting back in January.

Kayne Vona

Steals

11/20/25 @ Matanzas	4
11/18/25 vs Atlantic Coast	2
11/17/25 @ Ridgeview	5
02/03/25 vs Baker County	3

When it comes to explaining why Menendez lost, don't look at Kayne Vona. Despite the final result, he posted 19 points and four steals. Vona is on a roll when it comes to steals, as he's now grabbed two or more in each of the last four games he's played dating back to last season. Tommy Abbonizio was another key player, dropping a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds.

As for Matanzas, they pushed their record up to 2-0 with the victory, which was their sixth straight at home dating back to last season. Those home wins came thanks in part to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 71.5 points over those games.

Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Matanzas to victory, but perhaps none more so than Curtis (CJ) Giles, who almost dropped a double-double with 21 points and nine boards. The team also got some help courtesy of Jamel Guerrero, who went 5-for-9 on his way to 16 points along with six rebounds and three steals.

Menendez will have a little extra prep time after the loss as they won't be playing again for a while. They'll take on Oakleaf at 7:30 p.m. on the 3rd. As for Matanzas, they didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next matchup, a 61-52 defeat against Vanguard on the 24th.