Basketball Recap: Palatka Comes Up Short

Palatka was the 67-57 winner over Fernandina Beach when they last played one another back in December of 2023, but their luck changed this time around. The Palatka Panthers fell to the Fernandina Beach Pirates 49-45. While losing is never fun, the Panthers can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Florida basketball rankings (they are ranked 493rd, while the Pirates are ranked 168th).

Fernandina Beach's win on Friday was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Dominik Dunlap, who posted 11 points and three steals. The team also got some help courtesy of Jesse Basse, who went 6 for 14 en route to 13 points and six rebounds.

Palatka has traveled a rocky road recently having lost five of their last six matchups, which put a noticeable dent in their 6-16 record this season. As for Fernandina Beach, the victory was the seventh in a row for them, bringing their record for this year to 14-6.

Palatka and Trinity Catholic will face off at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday without much rest having both just played. Palatka is facing Trinity Catholic at the right time seeing as Trinity Catholic is stuck on a three-game losing streak. As for Fernandina Beach, they will square off against Baker County at 7:30 p.m. on Monday.