Basketball Recap: Shawn Donovan's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Umatilla over Lake Weir

Umatilla was not able to break out of their rough patch on Thursday as the team picked up their fifth straight defeat dating back to last season. They were two points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 57-55 heartbreaker at the hands of the Lake Weir Hurricanes. The Bulldogs were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Hurricanes apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in February.

Umatilla lost despite a true team effort on offense, the best among them being Shawn Donovan, who dropped a double-double on 18 points and 15 rebounds. Donovan's evening made it three games in a row in which he has scored at least ten points. Another player making a difference was Ray Jenkins, who posted ten points and five boards.

Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Lake Weir to victory, but perhaps none more so than John Smith, who had 12 points and eight rebounds. That's the most boards Smith has posted since back in December of 2023. The team also got some help courtesy of Angel Henderson, who went 6 of 11 on his way to 17 points.

Umatilla's defeat dropped their record down to 0-3. As for Lake Weir, they now have a winning record of 4-3.

Umatilla and Belleview will compete for holiday cheer at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday. As for Lake Weir, they will be taking part in a tournament against Eastside at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. Eastside has been getting the ball to fall more lately as they've increased their point totals each of their last three games.