Basketball Recap: Natalie Dance's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Mt. Diablo over Clayton Valley Charter

Mt. Diablo was the 69-54 winner over Clayton Valley Charter when they last played one another back in January of 2024, but their luck changed this time around. The Mt. Diablo Red Devils received a blow on Friday as they fell 59-44 to the Clayton Valley Charter Ugly Eagles. While losing is never fun, the Red Devils can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' California basketball rankings (they are ranked 241st, while the Ugly Eagles are ranked 58th).

Several Red Devils players turned in solid performances despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Natalie Dance, who went 5 of 10 en route to 14 points in addition to seven boards and three steals. Dance is on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed three or more in the last five games she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Carlesia Adams, who dropped a double-double on 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Even though they lost, Mt. Diablo smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 13 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 13 offensive boards in five consecutive games.

Mt. Diablo's loss dropped their record down to 9-8. As for Clayton Valley Charter, the win was the third in a row for them, bringing their record for this year to 10-5.

Mt. Diablo has already played their next matchup, a 41-14 victory against Benicia on the 13th. As for Clayton Valley Charter, they also wasted no time getting back out on the court and have already played their next contest, a 48-40 win against Miramonte on the 13th.