Basketball Game Preview: Valencia Vikings vs. West Ranch Wildcats

Valencia is 9-1 against West Ranch since January of 2020 and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Tuesday. The Valencia Vikings will challenge the West Ranch Wildcats at 5:00 p.m. Given that the two teams suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this contest.

Valencia is probably headed into the matchup with a chip on their shoulder considering Flintridge Prep just ended the team's five-game winning streak on Saturday. They took a 53-46 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Wolves.

Cara McKell put forth a good effort for the losing side as she went 8 for 11 on her way to 22 points. She is also on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in the last three games she's played. Keira McLaughlin was another key player, putting up nine points along with five rebounds and four steals.

Even though they lost, Valencia smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with ten offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least ten offensive rebounds in three consecutive games.

Meanwhile, West Ranch played a tough contest on Friday in which they were outscored in every quarter. They were outmatched by Saugus and fell 48-19. While losing is never fun, the Wildcats can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' California basketball rankings (they are ranked 740th, while the Centurions are ranked 175th).

Valencia's loss dropped their record down to 20-4. As for West Ranch, their defeat was their fourth straight at home, which dropped their record down to 9-13.

Everything came up roses for Valencia against West Ranch when the teams last played back in December of 2024, as the squad secured a 77-12 win. In that match, Valencia amassed a halftime lead of 36-4, an impressive feat they'll look to repeat on Tuesday.