Basketball Recap: Avon Park Comes Up Short

Avon Park lost against Bartow back in January of 2019 and unfortunately they wound up with the same result on Tuesday. The Avon Park Red Devils were dealt an 80-44 defeat at the hands of the Bartow Yellow Jackets. While losing is never fun, the Red Devils can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Florida basketball rankings (they are ranked 218th, while the Yellow Jackets are ranked 101st).

Despite the loss, Avon Park still got an impressive performance from Christopher Kelly, who dropped a double-double on 20 points and 17 boards. Kelly is on a roll when it comes to rebounds, as he's now pulled down ten or more in the last 15 games he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Jose Silva, who posted eight points and six boards.

Bartow found their leader in sophomore Messiah Borders, who went 8 of 19 on his way to 20 points. Ja'Kylen Crossley was another key player, putting up 11 points and three steals.

Avon Park's loss dropped their record down to 18-3. As for Bartow, their victory was their 12th straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 16-7.

Avon Park will challenge Sebring at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Avon Park is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 66.8 points per game this season. As for Bartow, they will take on Apopka in a tournament on Friday. Bartow also hasn't been messing around on offense: they've averaged 71.8 points per game.