Basketball Recap: Valley Center Takes a Loss

Valley Center played a tough matchup on Thursday in which they were outscored in every quarter. They were beaten by the Rancho Buena Vista Longhorns 64-17. While losing is never fun, the Jaguars can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' California basketball rankings (they are ranked 719th, while the Longhorns are ranked 188th).

Valley Center's defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Mykayla Degen, who posted eight points. Another player making a difference was Kira Le, who earned seven points.

Rancho Buena Vista got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Kylie Salzler out in front who went 6 for 10 from beyond the arc on her way to 19 points and three steals. What's more, Salzler also racked up two blocks, the most she's had since back in December of 2023. Camille Dake was another key player, putting up 12 points along with seven rebounds and five assists.

Valley Center has been struggling recently as they've lost five of their last six games, which put a noticeable dent in their 6-7 record this season. As for Rancho Buena Vista, with the victory, they broke their three-game losing streak and moved their record to 10-6.

Valley Center will look to defend their home court on Tuesday against San Marcos at 7:00 p.m. As for Rancho Buena Vista, they wasted no time getting back out on the court and have already played their next contest, a 67-22 win against Madison on the 11th.