Basketball Recap: United Takes a Loss

United was the 47-45 winner over River Valley when they last played one another back in December of 2023, but their luck changed this time around. The United Lions had to suffer through a 62-29 loss at the hands of the River Valley Panthers. While losing is never fun, the Lions can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Pennsylvania basketball rankings (they are ranked 370th, while the Panthers are ranked 19th).

United's loss on Thursday came despite strong showings from Brooke Esposito and Lilly McGinnis. Esposito posted five points and nine rebounds, while McGinnis had nine points and three steals. McGinnis is crushing it when it comes to steals: she's grabbed at least two every time she's taken the court this season.

Ava Persichetti was her usual excellent self, putting up 23 points in addition to eight assists and eight boards for River Valley. That makes it five consecutive games in which Persichetti has scored at least a third of River Valley's points. Morgan Cole was another key player, going 6 for 12 on her way to 14 points along with eight rebounds and three steals.

United now has a losing record at 5-6. As for River Valley, the victory keeps them at an undefeated 13-0.

United has already played their next matchup, a 42-36 defeat against Purchase Line on the 13th. As for River Valley, they also wasted no time getting back out on the court and have already played their next contest, a 64-44 win against Mifflin County on the 11th.