Basketball Recap: Gavin Hawkins' Big Game Can't Quite Lead Western Boone over Clinton Prairie

Western Boone was not able to break out of their rough patch on Saturday as the team picked up their fourth straight defeat. They took a 61-51 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Clinton Prairie Gophers. While losing is never fun, the Stars can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Indiana basketball rankings (they are ranked 243rd, while the Gophers are ranked 87th).

Western Boone's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Gavin Hawkins, who posted ten points in addition to five assists and three steals. That's the most assists Hawkins has posted since back in December of 2023. The team also got some help courtesy of Marcus Fortner, who had 11 points and six rebounds.

Western Boone's defeat dropped their record down to 1-5. As for Clinton Prairie, the win was the third in a row for them, bringing their record for this year to 4-1.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Western Boone will take on Southmont in a holiday battle at at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. One thing working in Southmont's favor is that they have posted at least 55 points every time they've taken the court this season. Clinton Prairie and Frontier will compete for holiday cheer at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Frontier will roll in looking for their fourth straight victory, something Clinton Prairie surely won't give up without a fight.