Basketball Recap: Blaine Comes Up Short

Blaine was the 56-40 winner over Mount Vernon when they last played one another back in January of 2024, but their luck changed this time around. The Blaine Borderites lost 57-36 to the Mount Vernon Bulldogs on Friday. While losing is never fun, the Borderites can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Washington basketball rankings (they are ranked 259th, while the Bulldogs are ranked 86th).

Mount Vernon found their leader in freshman Jaida Duodu, who went 5 of 7 to rack up 14 points and three steals. Duodu has been hot, having posted two or more steals the last six times she's played. Another player making a difference was Anaya Saldivar-Slater, who posted eight points.

Blaine is on a three-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 4-13. As for Mount Vernon, they are on a roll lately: they've won five of their last six contests, which provided a nice bump to their 13-6 record this season.

Looking ahead, Blaine won't have much time to rest: their next game is against Sedro-Woolley at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. Blaine is facing Sedro-Woolley at the right time seeing as Sedro-Woolley is stuck on a three-game losing streak. As for Mount Vernon, they and Mt. Baker will face off at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday without much rest having both just played. Mount Vernon will also cruise into their next match with the timing on their side: Mt. Baker will have lost eight straight heading into Saturday's contest.