Basketball Recap: Mission Oak Comes Up Short

After flying high against Hanford last Thursday, Mission Oak came back down to earth. The Mission Oak Hawks came up short against the Dinuba Emperors on Tuesday, falling 55-35. While losing is never fun, the Hawks can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' California basketball rankings (they are ranked 478th, while the Emperors are ranked 180th).

Braelyn Serpa

Steals

02/11/25 vs Dinuba	3
02/06/25 @ Hanford	6
02/04/25 @ Tulare Union	3

When it comes to explaining why Mission Oak lost, don't look at Braelyn Serpa. Despite the final result, she posted 14 points and three steals. Serpa has been hot recently, having posted three or more steals the last three times she's played. Miya Centeno was another key player, putting up eight steals.

Even though they lost, Mission Oak smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with ten offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least nine offensive rebounds every time they've taken the court this season.

Dinuba's victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Jalissa Espirito, who earned 14 points and eight steals. Another player making a difference was Kathryne Forbes, who dropped a double-double with 14 points and ten rebounds.

Mission Oak's defeat dropped their record down to 13-15. As for Dinuba, the win was the 13th in a row for them, bringing their record for this year to 21-5.

The two teams are set to take part in some playoff action in their next matches. Mission Oak will challenge Lompoc at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Mission Oak is facing Lompoc at the right time seeing as Lompoc is stuck on a six-game losing streak. As for Dinuba, they will square off against San Luis Obispo at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Both teams are headed into the matchup with plenty of momentum (San Luis Obispo has won nine straight at home, while Dinuba won eight straight on the road), something that'll have to change.