Basketball Recap: Desert's Loss Ends Six-Game Winning Streak at Home

It was a good run, but Desert unfortunately witnessed the end of their five-game winning streak on Friday. They fell to the Kern Valley Broncs 57-51. Sadly, that's the second time they've come up short against the Scorpions this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 50-48 back in January.

Defeat or not, Desert got some senior leadership from Destiny Hart and Keira Gamboa. Hart dropped a double-double on 19 points and 14 rebounds, while Gamboa went 8 of 18 en route to 21 points and five steals. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Gamboa has scored all season. Kalista Williams was another key player, putting up two points along with eight assists and four steals.

Even though they lost, Desert 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 nine offensive rebounds in nine consecutive matches.

Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Kern Valley to victory, but perhaps none more so than Jessie Bunting, who dropped a double-double on 26 points and 12 boards. That's the most points Bunting has posted since back in November of 2023. The team also got some help courtesy of Ava Elliott, who dropped a double-double on 12 points and 14 rebounds.

Desert's loss ended a six-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 15-7. As for Kern Valley, the victory (which was their fourth in a row) raised their record to 16-3.

Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Desert will welcome Bishop Union at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Bishop Union's defense has only allowed 27.3 points per game this season, so Desert's offense will have their work cut out for them. As for Kern Valley, they will be playing in front of their home fans against Frazier Mountain at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday.