Basketball Recap: Ellyse Walden's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Western over Clinton Prairie

Western was not able to break out of their rough patch on Wednesday as the team picked up their sixth straight defeat. They took a 45-35 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Clinton Prairie Gophers. The Panthers were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Gophers apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in December of 2023.

Western's defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Ellyse Walden, who dropped a double-double on 13 points and ten boards. Walden is on a roll when it comes to boards, as she's now pulled down eight or more in the last five games she's played. Another player making a difference was Ella Rawlings, who went 5 of 11 on her way to 13 points.

Clinton Prairie found their leader in sophomore Taymorgan102 Taylor Morgan, who went 6 of 12 en route to 19 points along with five boards and five steals. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Taylor Morgan has scored all season. The team also got some help courtesy of Hyleigh Wilson, who posted ten points in addition to seven rebounds and three steals.

Western's loss dropped their record down to 2-8. As for Clinton Prairie, their victory was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 6-6.

Western wasted no time getting back out on the court and has already played their next game, a 49-44 defeat against Benton Central on the 20th. As for Clinton Prairie, they also didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next matchup, a 51-25 loss against Clinton Central on the 28th.