Basketball Recap: Vesper Forbes' Big Game Can't Quite Lead Tuscola over Smoky Mountain

Tuscola was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their third straight loss. They were five points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 37-32 heartbreaker at the hands of the Smoky Mountain Mustangs. The Mountaineers were not able to repeat the success they had when they faced the Mustangs earlier this season, when they won 66-55.

Tuscola's defeat came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Vesper Forbes, who posted four points and nine boards. The team also got some help courtesy of Nora Jenkins, who scored seven points and ten rebounds.

Mountaineers

Previous 3 Games

02/07/25 @ Smoky Mountain	32-37
02/04/25 vs Pisgah	41-80
01/31/25 @ East Henderson	34-47

Even though they lost, Tuscola smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 15 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive rebounds in 17 consecutive contests.

Aaliyah Voss was the offensive standout of the game as she earned 16 points and five boards. Dayritzis Chinea was another key player, putting up six points and ten rebounds.

Tuscola's loss dropped their record down to 9-11. As for Smoky Mountain, the victory made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 8-15.

Tuscola wasted no time getting back out on the court and has already played their next matchup, a 56-50 defeat against West Henderson on the 11th. As for Smoky Mountain, they also didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next contest, a 67-36 win against East Henderson on the 11th.